
Book.:! 

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COPYRIGHT DEPOSm 



Moods 

AND 

Melodies 



BY 

W. C. LEET, M. D. 



BROADWAY PUBLISHING CO. 

835 Broadway 
New York 






Copyright, 1915 

BY 

W. C Leet, M. D. 



OCT 29 1915 

€)CI,A414300 



THE AUTHOR TO HIS READERS. 

It is with a great deal of trepidation that I pre- 
sent my little book to you. But I trust I may 
receive the sympathetic throb of Christian hearts, 
and not their unkind criticism, when my reasons 
for writing the work are fully known. 

After administering, for nearly forty years, to 
the bodily ills and infirmities of my fellow human 
beings, and after my life-partner (who was the 
light of my zvay) was taken from me, I retired 
from the practice of medicine. Finding myself, 
thus, without any definite employment, my mind 
became restless, and in order to quiet that feeling 
I began writing short poems. As I had quit giv- 
ing tonics to bodies weakened by disease or sup- 
plying soothing lotions for aching limbs I deter- 
mined to minister to the social and spiritual needs 
of humanity. To do something that would call 
attention to the needs of the immortal part of our 
nature — to point to the one and only Source of 
true happiness and eternal vigor. 

In my writing I have scrupulously avoided long, 
mystical poems, almost entirely confining myself 
to plain, simple subjects and plain simple words. 
I can truthfully say that the majority of the pieces 
are based on real facts. If in my effort I shall 
succeed in giving any human being an uplift tow- 
ards a better or a happier life, then I have ac- 
complished the desire of my heart. 

Sincerely yours, 

W. C. LEET, M.D. 



CONTENTS 

PAGET 

Home 1 

For an Album 2 

For an Album 2 

Home Made Sad by a Talebearer 2 

For an Album 3 

Cambridge Springs, Pa., in Summer 3 

Winter at Cambridge Springs, Pa 4 

Reflections 4 

He and She 5 

Lines Suggested by Clara May Howe 5 

My Favorite Summer Resort 6* 

To 6 

Encouragement for a Young School Girl 7 

For an Album 7 

Grace, 'Tis a Charming Sound 7 

First Love 8 

To My Young Friend, Mrs. Georgia M. M 8 

Praise the Bible 10 

An Appeal 10 

The Sabbath 11 

On Seeing My Wife Look Sad 11 

After Looking at a Picture of a Friend 12 

Christian Contentment 13 

Condolence for Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Mc. 14 

The Rich Young Man in the Gospels 14 

Who? 16 

On Presenting Colored Plates to Geo. A. D., M.D. 16 

A Thought 17 

Lines by Mrs. Leet 17 

The Baby in the Hammock 17 

Trust 18 

To Miss Estella McKay 19 

For the First Born of a Friend 21 

Invocation 21 

Bereavement 22 



CONTENTS 

They Live ; 24 

God's Goodness and Mercy 24 

Thou Hast Gone 26 

Only a Night 27. 

Which Shall It Be? 38 

Did You Ever 29 

The Way of the World 30 

Worldliness 31 

Protection 33 

To My Friend, Dr. A. C. Smith 33 

Hedlands, California 35 

Has Passed 36 

Why Is It? 37 

For an Album 38 

On the Old Graveyard 38 

Misgiving and Hope 40 

Composed While Dreaming 40 

A Call From Loved Ones 41 

Go Work in My Vineyard 42 

The Vision 43 

Invitation 44 

Things That Make Life Pleasant 45 

On Receiving a Request for Money from the 

Tract Society 46 

Sad Remembrance 48 

History in Verse 50 

The Call 52 

Christmas Reverie, 1909 53 

San Diego Bay, California 54 

The Joys of Boyhood 55 

Thoughts in the Night 56 

Hymn Number One 58 

The Winter King 59 

Trust in the King of Glory 60 

What Is Life? 61 

vi 



CONTENTS 

To a Robin 63 

The Passing of the Old Year 63 

Be SiVLve 65 

Fourteenth Marriage Anniversary Postponed 66 

The Question 67 

October 68 

Cock-Robin and Hen-Robin 63 

In God We Trust 70 

Love 72 

Before I Cross Over the Bar 73 

The Alabaster Box and Love 74 

Drifting 74 

Repentance 75 

Hoping 77 

Why 78 

The Yuletide, 1910 79 

Cupid 80 

Go Teach 81 

The Bashful Lover 82 

The Voice 83 

Exceptions to a Sermon by Dr. W. H. T 84 

Does She Think of Me? 86 

To a Friend 87 

Vote Right 89 

Why Should We Strive? 91 

It Stands Unchanged 92 

The Vine 9o 

Birthday Greeting 94 

Faith Cures 95 

Christmas, 1911 96 

Ambition 97 

Eloping 98 

Joy Riding 100 

Woman 101 

She Wanted to Know. 102 

vii 



CONTENTS 

Constancy 103 

Sabbath, October 1st, 1911 104 

Home, May 14th, 1911 105 

The Tie That Binds 107 

Perhaps a Blessing 108 

November 13th, 1911 109 

Children in Heaven 110 

To Annie in Heaven Ill 

The Pansy Ill 

Psalm 101 Metred 113 

The Change 114 

Queen Quality Shoe 114 

The Husband's Answer 116 

March, 1913 117 

The Cross 118 

Sunshine 119 

Only Thine 120 

The Violet 121 

Spring 122 

Fidelity 123 

Blaze Your Way 124 

The Object of Love 125 

A Pleasure 126 

The Stream of Time 127 

A Name 128 

There's a Rose in My Garden for You 129 

I Have Something to Tell You 130 

God Is Love 131 

Reflections on God's Mercy 132 

Where Have You Labored To-day ? 133 

O! Come 135 

Lives Again 136 

Darkness 137 

What Is It? 137 

A Thought 139 

viii 



CONTENTS 

What Is the Use? 140 

Titanic's Fatal Trip 141 

Sabbath, January 5th, 1913 142 

The Factory Girl. A Song 143 

One by One. A Song 144 

On the Wings of Love. A Song 145 

Dedicated to Rev. Arthur M. Guttery 146 

Unchanged 148 

San Diego, Cahfornia, March 17, 1914 149 

San Diego, Cahfornia, April, 1914 150 

The Remedy for War 151 

To Rest Awhile 153 



IX 







Moods 

AND 

Melodies 

HOME 

GIVE me but one glimpse of home — 
Home as it was when I was young. 
When with companions pure and free. 
We played the buttercups among. 

We wandered by the brooklet's side 

To gather lilies where they grew, 

Or chase the bee from out the flower 

And catch the butterfly e'er it flew. 

And when of sports our childish limbs 
Grew weary and we longed for rest, 
We homeward turned with longing hearts 
To meet our mothers and be caressed. 

And when the evening shadows grew 

To darkness and the stars did peep 

From out the firmament on high, 

We sought repose and rest in sleep. 
O give me back but one short day 
Of childish thoughts and childish glee ; 
Midst fields of home in summer-time 
*Twill be an eden here for me. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



^ 



FOR AN ALBUM 

^OT for wealth or renown; 
Not for my noble birth; 
Not for my personal beauty — 
But for my own true worth. 
Remember me, 

w. c. L. 

FOR AN ALBUM 

INCE on this spotless page. 
To me you grant this space, 
Of flattery may truth forbid 
My pen one word shall trace. 
May Heaven grant the prayer 
I make for you this day. 
May guardian angels ever drive 
Your sorrows far away. 

HOME MADE SAD BY A TALEBEARER 

'HE devil made inroads today 

On a heart that was happy and light. 
And the touch of a talebearer's tongue 
Has brought sorrow and gloom like a blight. 
'Twas a friend ( ?) as is always the case ; 
Such story in secret would tell 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



Of a scheme that was purposely meant 

To hurt you I know very well. 

But mercy, don't say that I told you, 
It would injure my business you know; 
This injunction reveals to me plainly 
Her story was hatched down below. 



FOR AN ALBUM 

ET truth be your motto, strive always to win 
That which is pure and noble, shun all that 
is sin. 



3J 



CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, PA., IN SUMMER 
September, 1902. 



n 



LL come here to drink the water — 
Father, mother, son and daughter ; 
All is life, and joy, and fun — 
Some seek the shade, some like the sun. 

Here time amusement finds for all; 

Some ride the wheel, some play at ball; 

Shuffleboard, croquet and quoits 

Give all a chance to show exploits. 
Among this moving, living throng, 
Is wit and wisdom, music, song ; 
All seem by look or act to say : 
Let's make this life a holliday. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



WINTER AT CAMBRIDGE SPRINGS, PA. 



€ 



'HE crowd is small, sedate, select, 
Each for the other have respect. 
And shut indoors by stormy weather, 
In friendship's bonds are knit together. 
But still with future days in view 
Each have some useful work to do, 
And hand and mind are both employed 
To make this earthly life enjoyed. 

And thus our days were spent together. 
In winters cold and stormy weather. 
And closer forged is friendship's tie 
Until we have to say good-by. 



REFLECTIONS 

kUR youthful days pass swiftly by 
And age comes creeping on ; 
We seek for joys once highly prized. 
But they like youth have gone. 
How hard for us to realize 
That time will never wait 
For us to cherish what we love. 
But moves with increased rate. 
And years press years so swiftly on 
Our minds are filled with gloom, 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



We cannot count life's fleeting hours 
Between our birth and tomb. 



HE AND SHE 

HE : If you were I, and I were you. 

What do you think I would have you 
do? 
He: If you were I, and I were you, 

Tell me, I pray, what you'd have me do. 
She: You in my arms I would fold like this. 
And then I think I would steal a kiss. 



(Lines suggested by some beautiful verses, 
composed by Clara May Howe, of Nashville, 
Tenn., and sent to her aunt, Mrs. Annie L. Leet.) 



w 



'HE thoughts within you, little book. 
Drop sweetness from above 

Like nectar stilled by angel hands 

And sent by heavenly love. 
Write on, and may the heavenly muse. 
Direct your every thought 
To sing of Jesus and the life 
Which He for sinners bought. 

With precious all-prevailing blood. 

When none to save was near. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



He left His home of light and love 
Our fainting hearts to cheer. 

Yes, sing of Jesus, heavenly lamb, 

The light, the truth, the way 

That leads from death and darkness here 

To realms of endless day. 

May heavenly grace direct your pen, 
God help your every thought. 
To raise the fallen, cheer the poor. 
And you at last he brought 

Into the fullness of the love. 

The peace, the joy divine 

Of Christ the judge. Who then shall say 

My child these all are thine. 

MY FAVORITE SUMMER RESORT 

OME shady nook by a babbling brook 
On the mountain wild and free. 
With a line and a hook, my wife and a book. 
Is a good-enough place for me. 

TO 



i^fKHE rose is called the queen of flowers 
^fcU By lovers of the arts. 
But you are sweeter far, Lucy, 
And I call you queen of hearts. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



ENCOURAGEMENT FOR A YOUNG 
SCHOOL GIRL 

TAY not, stay not, at point now gained, 
In learning's pleasing fight. 
But nerve the will and plume her wing 
To reach some nobler height. 

FOR AN ALBUM 

>iJ|KlS friendship prompts you here to grant 

^iy A place to write my name. 
May truth and honor here unite 
To give you back the same. 
O may these lines forever be 
Attractive to your sight. 
And on the tablets of your heart 
My memory keep bright. 

GRACE, 'TIS A CHARMING SOUND 

t/^lKlS the grace of God so tender 
^y/ That guides His child aright 
And restrains the tongue from gossip 
That the heart or home would blight. 

*Tis the grace of God so tender 

That teaches ways of peace, 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



3 



Where wrath, deceit or gossip reign 
He causes all to cease. 

'Tis the grace of God so tender 

That fills the soul with love 

For all mankind, and says go tell 

iThat I am from above. 

FIRST LOVE 

[T is not on thy blushing cheek 
I'd have the teardrop rest, 
Or sorrow cause one throb of pain 
Within thy gentle breast. 
I'd have thy young unclouded brow 
So pure, so bright and fair. 
That time and change could never leave 
One trace of sorrow there. 

I'd ever have thy young face wear 
The beauty now thy prize, 
. And fond confiding love beam forth 
From out your lovelit eyes. 

TO MY YOUNG FRIEND, MRS. GEORGIA 
M. M. 

i^lp'HE greater the prize that is offered, 
^u/ The harder the struggle to win ; 
Contest if the cause will enoble, 
Withdraw if you think it a sin. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



The pathway to fame, though a rough one. 
Gets smoother the higher you go, 
And leaves behind many whose envy 
Makes progress uncertain and slow. 

Do not falter because some may censure. 

Others criticise what you may do ; 

Go on and be sure, if you conquer. 

They will all hurrah loudly for you. 

The motive that prompts us to labor 
For honors should always include 
The helping of other poor mortals 
To something enduring and good. 

The mind that shall live on forever. 

Companion with angels above, 

Should be taught while in perishing bodies. 

The glories of heavenly love. 

Should we strive then for honors that perish, 
When those that endure can be won 
By accepting a crown from Jehovah 
Through faith in His well-beloved son. 

O, why do we long for crowns of bay. 

Which fade when we're under the sod. 

When the brightest jewels in earthly crowns 

Are the children trained up for God ! 



10 MOODS AND MELODIES 



P 



PRAISE THE BIBLE 

I RIGHT shines the light of heavenly- 
love 

From out the word divine 
To cheer the hearts of feeble saints 
And make their faces shine. 

Divine compassion, pity, love, 

The king of kings controls; 

He sent His only son to earth 

To rescue dying souls. 
Thy perfect love, thy perfect work. 
Eternity may scan, 
And search in vain a flaw to find 
In thy redemptive plan. 

O make me feel the saving power 

Of Jesus' precious blood, 

To free me from inherent sins 

That lead away from Gk)d! 
Forgive, O God, if I presume. 
To ask for one thing more: 
A heart prepared by heavenly grace 
To worship and adore. 

AN APPEAL 



B 



OWN from Persia's rugged hills. 
From India's burning sands, 



From Turkey's bloody empire, 
We see the outstretched hands 



MOODS AND MELODIES 11 

Of helpless widows pleading, 
And saying, Won't you bring 
To us the living water 
From God's unfailing spring. 

There's helpless orphans crying. 
Because they have no bread ; 
From such a picture brother, 
Turn not away your head. 
I'd rather give a little 
To help the poor distres't. 
Than build a gorgeous palace 
For those well fed and drest. 

THE SABBATH 

^yiKHIS day the heavenly Lamb ascends, 
^Q/ Before my raptured eyes, 
From scenes of sorrow, sin and death, 
To glories in the skies. 
G, sacred day of peace and joy, 
Of worship and of rest! 
Hallowed by thy maker God, 
Mankind in thee are blest. 

ON SEEING MY WIFE LOOK SAD 

^RAY tell me if 'twas aught I did 
^^ That makes your face look sad. 
The one above all others loved. 
The face that makes me glad. 



12 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Yes, tell me what sad, cruel thought 
Has settled 'round your heart, 
And drove away the smile of love 
By sinful subtle smart. 

Say if some thoughtless word or act. 

In which I took a part, 

Has crushed the light, the joy, the peace, 

That dwelt within your heart. 
Yes tell me dear, and if it was, 
By all that's good above, 
My joys I'll sacrifice to get 
Your old-time look of love. 

If I'm the cause, oh let me hear 

Your gentle, loving voice 

Say I forgive you all you did. 

Then will my heart rejoice. 



AFTER LOOKING AT A PICTURE OF A 
FRIEND 

/^ BEAUTIFUL pjcture cheers my 
f^ heart 

As I look at it day by day. 
It is not a beautiful landscape, 

But a beautiful picture of Mae. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 13 



(A beautiful poem found among my wife^s 
papers, but it did not have the author's name.) 
I call it 



CHRISTIAN CONTENTMENT 

/|^ GOD of Israel, deign to smile 
^fl^ With pitying eye on me, 
And bless my hours of lonely toil 
And raise my heart to thee. 

Then happy in my humble state, 

I never can repine, 
I'll envy not the rich or great. 
If thou confess me thine. 
Let others mourn their humble lot. 

But I will work and sing. 
For though the world regard me not, 
My father is a King. 

From His bright palace in the skies 

He sees me where I roam, 
And by and by He'll bid me rise 
And bid we welcome home. 



14 MOODS AND MELODIES 

(Condolence for Mr. and Mrs. W. D. Mc. 

after the death of their infant daughter, January 
10, 1907.) 

MOMENT'S stay to be caressed, 
A poignant grief to be suppressed; 
For surely God knows what is best — 
She is an angel now. 

MATTHEW 18 :10. 

THE RICH YOUNG MAN IN THE 
GOSPELS 



^ 



m 



f HAT lack I yet, the young man asked. 
While hoarding up his pelf. 

That I eternal life may have 
I want it for myself. 

The law I've kept through all my days. 

From youth to manhood grown, 

If aught that I should do still lacks 

Good master make it known. 
All that thou hast go sell and to 
The poor and needy give; 
Take up thy cross and follow me. 
And thou shalt surely live. 

Shun youthful lust for wealth or fame, 

Such treasures cannot last ; 

They will take wings and fly away 

Like leaves upon the blast. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 15 

Seek first God's kingdom and His love; 
This done, thy soul shall live; 
Then all good treasures of the earth, 
Grod promises to give. 

To such as keep His covenant, 

Grod's promises are sure, 

A crown of life He gives to all 

Who to the end endure. 

With sorrowful, dejected heart 
The young man went away, 

Preferring treasures earth had given 

To heaven's eternal day. 

How sad this picture and the fate 

This narrative unfolds. 

Of those who lose eternal life 

While trusting in their gold. 
But happy those whose hearts are set 
On heavenly things above, 
Who strive to do their Master's will 
And live in Jesus' love. 

Thrice happy those with riches blest, 

Who to the needy give. 

And those who hear the Saviour say : 

Come unto me and live. 



16 MOODS AND MELODIES 

WHO? 

C||^|]4[HO makes the vapor chrystallize 

^Wy4' To form the fleecy snow, 

And then to water turn again 

To make the Hlies grow? 

The beauties of the falHng snow. 

Let myriad voices sing; 

Yet 'tis as dust or soot compared 

To plume from angel's wing. 

{On presenting of colored plates on Surgery to 
my friend Geo. A. D., M.D.) 

/yir'HESE plates portray the ills of life, 
Vj/ And teach you where to use your knife ; 
Consult them then with earnest care. 
And for each case yourself prepare. 

Then take your scalpel furbished good ; 

Nor be dismayed at sight of blood; 

A thorough operation make, 

Both for your own and patient's sake. 
Then when your patient has got well. 
He will his friends and neighbors tell, 
How you with skillful hand and knife 
Removed disease and saved his life. 

My advice is : 
When full of praise his lips shall be. 
Be sure and ask him for your fee. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 17 

A THOUGHT 

^OW if you would be good or great, 
Look where those gems are found ; 
Above the sordid things of earth 
God's goodness knows no bounds. 



(In my absence Mrs. Leet wrote underneatK 
the above:) 

TTjf N anything you have to do, 
^ Try and do it well, 
For at the close of life's short day 
Honest work will tell. 



THE BABY IN THE HAMMOCK 

^I^HE hammock swayed, the infant slept 

^u/ The sleep of innocence and love ; 

The wind that fanned its peaceful face. 

Was guided by the hand above. 

Sleep on, sweet cherub, take your rest. 
May angels always guard thy bed. 
And ever on your path of life 
The light of peace and joy be shed. 



18 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Sweet babe could I your guardian be. 
The thought came to me as I gazed; 
No sin should ever blight your life, 
And all your deeds by men he praised. 
But as I mused, my conscience said: 
Could you give wisdom to the mind 
Of this sweet child of innocence, 
And you so weak, so sinful blind. 
Thus chastened for presumptuous thoughts, 
Concerning things I longed to do ; 
My heart in penitence was bowed, 
And near the throne of grace I drew 

And whispered, Lord forgive my sin, 
Help me to see Thy mercy shine 
Through sorrow's clouds so I can say: 
Dear Lord, my will to thine resign. 
Sleep on, sweet babe, and take thy rest, 
For God, who made thee, only knows 
How best to guide thy precious life, 
And give you either joys or woe. 

TRUST 

^yfp'HE leaves on the tree may be hoary and 
Ml/ gray. 

Your home that you long for seems far far away, 
Though you may be weary, or hungry and frail, 
Put your trust in the Lord for His mercies ne'er 
fail. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 19 

Though angry seabillows may dash on the shore, 
Though dear ones that left you come back never 

more, 
Though you may be lonely, dejected and pale, 
Put your trust in the Lord for His mercies ne'er 

fail. 

Remember bright leaves on the tree will appear, 
Remember the home that you long for is near ; 

Seabillows no longer are tost by the gale, 
Put your trust in the Lord for His mercies ne'er 
fail. 

Remember dear ones that have gone on before. 
Will welcome your coming on heaven's bright 

shore ; 
No longer dejected, or lonely or frail. 
You trusted in God and His mercies ne'er failed. 



(To Miss Estella McKay, whom we met at Camr 
bridge Springs, Pa.) 

>j;^OUR letter came like a sad sweet song 
^^ Recalling joys that are past, 
That were swept away by Time's ruthless hand 
Like leaves on the storm king's blast. 



20 MOODS AND MELODIES 

It brings out treasures long hidden away, 
By dust of corroding things, 
And paints a picture on memory's walls. 
As we met at Cambridge Springs. 

It recalls a group that have sought relief 

At the fountains where God has designed 

A sovereign balm in the waters pure 

For diseases of every kind. 

In the group are some that are young and fair. 
Some are old and withered and gray, 
But each one seemed overflowing with mirth 
While we stopped at the cottage Quay. 

Those happy days like a shadow have past, 

But there lingers still behind 

Sweet visions of friends and joys that are stamped 

Indelibly on my mind. 

happy days, full of innocent mirth, 
Will you come back nevermore; 

1 would like to meet the same happy crowd 
Ere I pass to the golden shore. 

Each face I recall as that of a friend 
Whom I met at the Cottage Quay, 
But one above all of that happy throng, 
Is pretty Estella McKay. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 21 

FOR THE FIRST BORN OF A FRIEND 

EAR little Cathyrine, with a white dress, 
Sent to be cherished, loved and caressed ; 
Welcome, sweet cherub, to heart's home and love, 
God fit you while here for heaven above, 
And when you are called from earth's sorrows 

away. 
May you dwell with our Saviour forever and aye. 



(B 



INVOCATION 

NE boon alone I ask 
Of all that mortals share, 
A spotless, upright Christian life. 
Oh grant the humble prayer. 

Guard me from every snare 

The Tempter spreads for me. 

And when with sin or anguish pressed. 

Lord help me go to thee. 
Help me to go in faith. 
Asking Thy help divine, 
To bear the burdens of this life. 
My will to Thine resign. 



23 MOODS AND MELODIES 



BEREAVEMENT 

^i^ WONDER not that my head is bowed, 
^fcl^ And my heart feels heavy and sad, 
For I miss a form, my pride and joy, 
And the voice that once made me glad. 

I watched the light in her eye grow dim, 
And the rose on her cheek grow pale, 
And I saw her form, once plump and strong, 
Grow so weak, so thin and so frail. 
Then sorrow settled down like a pall 
O'er my heart once happy and gay, 
And I knew the blighting hand of death 
Would soon take my loved one away. 

I sought the Lord at the throne of grace. 
And prayed that his mercy would spare 
The life of the one I loved so well. 
All my cares and my joys to share. 
He answered not with the mercy sought. 

But did what He knew was best, 

And took from my heart the one I loved most, 

To the beautiful land of the blest. 

Thrice was the question asked "Will I live ?" 
And I answered I do not know 
But if it's God's will to take you now, 
Are you willing, my dear, to go? 

And thrice she answered with calm sweet voice, 

Like one that is sure of the rest. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 23 

In the house not made with hands above, 

With her Saviour she answered yes. 

And then through tears of joy I could see 
That the Saviour had been her guest, 
And gave her faith in His words so dear. 
Saying "Come unto me and rest." 

And while I am sure she is happy, 

Where sickness and death are unknown, 

I long for her presence to cheer me 

In life now so dreary and lone. 

Though joyous companions surround me. 
And life seems so pleasant to all, 
I sit like a dove on the housetop 
Awaiting its loved one to call. 

But why should I question the wisdom. 

Or why should a reason be sought 

From God, who in wisdom and mercy 

Appoints for his children their lot? 

I am sure she has gone to the Saviour, 

Who guided her life in the past, 
To whom with a childish devotion 

She committed her all at the last. 

Then help me, dear Lord, to be humble. 

Resigned to whatever is done. 

And feel that in fatherly kindness 

Thy chastening sore hath been done. 



24: MOODS AND MELODIES 

THEY LIVE 

E never can forget the songs 
Our mothers used to sing 
To drive all troubles from our hearts 
And peaceful slumbers bring; 
Nor can we e'er forget the kiss 
That took away the pain 
From chubby hand a thorn had touched 
And made it well again. 
No, those were but eternal truths, 
Impressed by mother's love 
On tender hearts, and cannot die ; 
They were of God, He's love. 

GOD'S GOODNESS AND MERCY 

|URE from the Lord's creative hand, 
Adam and Eve in Eden dwelt, 

Midst fruit and flowers, rich and fair 

At pleasure's shrine they knelt. 
Creation's morning pure and fair 
Breathed love, and only love ; 
And beast and bird, and creeping thing, 
Knew love, and only love. 

And all of life was peace and joy, 

The hours went and came 

Without one thought of sin or death. 

Until the Tempter came. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 25 

Till then no sin had cursed the ground, 
Which in its beauty lay, 
A picture of the heavenly home 
For those whom God obey. 

But when the Tempter came, this scene 

Of beauty was transformed. 

And all that once was peace and love. 

Has now become deformed. 
The myrtle and the rose are now 
Supplanted by the thorn, 
And the sweet and gentle zephyr 
Becomes a raging storm. 

No more the gentle lamb can lie 

Beside the wolf in peace. 

For sin brought sorrow, strife and death. 

When perfect love had ceased.* 

Frail man, your failure to obey 

The God who gave you breath 

Has brought upon you toil and pain. 

And also endless death. 

From Eden's bowers pure and fair 

Jehovah bids you go 

To till the ground now cursed by sin. 

Where weeds and briars grow. 
And at the gate from whence you go. 
An angel stands on guard, 
To keep the tree of life from thee. 
With burnished flaming sword. 



26 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Eternal life is now beyond 
Thy power and of thy race. 
And if they find eternal life 
'Twill be by God's free grace. 

But blessed be Jehovah, God, 

Though Sinai thunders loud. 

We see compassion in His heart 

By rainbow on the cloud. 

And then the loving Saviour came. 
And taught us to forgive 
The errors of our fellow man. 
If we in Him would live. 

He says I am the truth, the way, 

And sorrow's constant guest. 

Lay down your burdens at my feet, 

Come unto me and rest. 



THOU HAST GONE 

^fF^HOXJ hast gone, my loved one, at the call of 
K1/ the Lord 

To a home that is free from all sickness and pain, 
What a sweet consolation for me now to know 
That my sorrow and loss is your infinite gain. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 27 

ONLY A NIGHT 

i^JKHE time is short, twelve hours, no more ; 
^kJ/ But, oh what sorrows that night may con- 
tain. 
Weeping for wealth we so dearly bought, 
And the bitter tears we cannot restrain. 
We have labored long and hard to get 
What we thought would make our yearning 

hearts glad. 
But in one short night it has vanished, 
And we feel so grieved, dejected and sad. 
Only a night, but in that short time, 
Heartstrings have broken and reason took flight, 
For the death angel entered our home 
And left us but sorrow, darkness and blight. 
Yes only a night of sad watching, 
The throb of a heart in casket of clay. 
That is striving to break earthly fetters 
And soar to the light of heaven's bright day. 
It is only a night of sad weeping. 
In the dreary prison of sin and grief. 
But the joy of the morning dawning 
Pays well for waiting the coming relief. 
Then lift up your voices with shouting 
Of praise to God, who, in infinite love. 
Prepares his own children by sorrows 
For glorified crowns in heaven above. 



28 MOODS AND MELODIES 

When the night and weeping are over, 
No more shall we grieve or tremble or fear. 
But in pastures green our God shall lead us. 
And Jesus himself shall dry every tear. 

WHICH SHALL IT BE? 

TTN the so-called royal palace, 
^ In the hut of vice and shame. 
Children are born by the thousand. 
Some to have wealth and some fame. 
But the picture changes color 
When we ask which shall it be. 
The one in the royal palace born 
Or the one in the hut, let's see. 
True riches can only be found 
In the peace and joy and love 
Which comes from faith in Christ alone. 
And that faith is from above. 

True fame is what a person does 
To assist his fellow man 
To live a pure and holy life. 
And that is the Saviour's plan. 
Then both may obtain these honors. 
Which Jesus alone can give ; 
The one that is born in the palace. 
Or he in the hut that lives. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 29 



Where then is there grounds for boasting 
By those who riches obtain, 
Or those who by toil and struggle. 
Have risen to heights of fame? 

Both come from the God of mercies, 

A gift of sovereign grace, 

To the wealthy or the lowly. 

It includes the human race. 

Then praise and adore the Saviour, 
Who gives both riches and fame. 
Which last through eternal ages 
Untarnished by sin or shame. 



DID YOU EVER 

«*|%ID you ever dream of saying 
7& Something funny in your sleep, 
And because you couldn't mind it, 
In the morning you felt cheap ? 

Now I'll tell you how to mind it. 
And I do it for your sake, _ 
Just do your funny dreaming 
In the daytime when awake. 
Did you ever dream of sailing 
In a boat upon the lake. 
When the creaking storm-tossed vessel 
Caused your throbbing heart to quake. 



30 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Now to free you from such terror, 
I suggest that you command 
The elf that took your boat to sea, 
Just to row it on the land. 
Ah, then you say you dream of wrecks 
While speeding on the rail, 
Of seeing sights and hearing sounds 
That caused brave hearts to quail. 

Now a good relief from dreaming, 
I commend to one and all. 
Is to keep your liver active 
And you will not dream at all. 

THE WAY OF THE WORLD 

/^tKHE way of the world is to censure and 
Vlb blame 

The efforts of all that are feeble or tame 
In striving to honor the heaven-born name 
Of our conquering saviour, Jesus. 
But blessed be God, all their efforts are vain, 
To put out the light of that life-giving flame 
Of love that is found in that wonderful name 
Of our conquering saviour, Jesus, 

They pose to be saints, while with Satan 'tis 

plain 
They work and endeavor to give others pain. 
But at last with the dragon they all will be slain 
By our conquering saviour, Jesus. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 31 

And then will all darkness be turned into day, 
And envy and hatred have no place to stay. 
For hearts that were sinful will now turn and 

pray 
To our conquering saviour, Jesus. 

O hasten the time, gracious God, when at last 

We all shall be freed from the sins of the past ; 

In heaven our crowns at his feet we will cast. 

At the feet of our saviour, Jesus. 

WORLDLINESS 

qrjMMERSED in thoughts of wealth or 

^ fame, 

All mingle in the strife 

Which surges round them like a storm 

That threatens every life. 

Wild passions rise on every hand 

And lust for sordid gold 

With ruthless hand breaks every tie 

That memory sacred holds. 

Sweet thoughts of love that once the heart 

Made warm are cast aside. 

And honor, once the fount of joy. 

By passion's hand has died. 

Yes passion to be rich or great. 

And live like kings or queens. 

Has ruined hearts and homes alike. 

Nor is life what it seems. 



33 MOODS AND MELODIES 

O cruel lust, thou child of sin, 

O passion wild and strong, 

When will your deadly hand be stayed 

From doing further wrong ? 

Not till the conquering love of Christ 
Shall break the stubborn will 
Of sinful man and say to lust 
And passion to be still. 

Then peace, sweet peace, will spread her 
wings 

O'er every clime and land, 

And joy, fidelity and love, 

Control each heart and hand. 

O come blest Saviour in thy might 
And conquer every foe 
To honor, truth and righteousness 
And make the people know 

Thee as the only source of joy. 

Of love, of peace divine, 
And that salvation for the soul 

From thee alone doth shine. 

Then shall the glory be thine own. 

And all shall give thee praise. 

And sing thy glorious majesty 

Throughout the endless days. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 33 



PROTECTION 

MHEN the angel of night casts his shadow 
o'er all 
And chilly winds creep into bedroom and hall. 
May the Lord in His mercy protect us from fright 
And sovereign grace keep us safe through the 
night. 

When we wake in the morning may love fill 
our hearts 

To'rds God who in mercy His kindness im- 
parts 

Unto all poor weak sinners who to Him will 
cry 

For pardon, He'll grant it, He will not deny. 

Ho, then, everyone come, his salvation is free; 
The Saviour has suffered for you and for me. 
O then, sinner, be thankful, accept and adore, 
And, crowned by your Saviour, rejoice evermore. 

TO MY FRIEND, DR. A. C. SMITH 

^tr^HE automobile is a wonderful thing — 

^U/ Moves not like a ship or bird on the wing — ■ 

But it gets there. 
One night as I sat in my humble retreat, 
A rap at my door brought me onto my feet ; 



34 MOODS AND MEL ODIES 

I answered the knock, when to my surprise, 
There stood my friend Smith with his laughing 

blue eyes. 
"Come in and be seated," I hastened to say, 
But he answered, "I cannot ; I've no time to stay. 
I'm on my way home and, with chivalric pride, 
Said, "Put on your coat and I'll give you a ride." 

I accepted his offer, and soon was made feel 
The jerk and the roll of his automobile. 
Uphill it goes, at a fairly good pace. 
But downhill goes like a sprite in a race. 
When a breaker it strikes, you go up in the air, 
And before you get down, you're almost in de- 
spair ; 
For you think of some business you ought to 

have done 
Before you embarked for a century run. 
You hold to the auto with genuine dread, 
For fear the next moment you'll stand on your 

head. 
But now in a trice we have struck level ground. 

And the quiet you long for you think you have 

found ; 
But what a delusion — ^you scarcely can wink- 
E'er you strike a sharp curve and are just on the 

brink 



MOODS AND MELODIES 35 

Of what looks like chasm, dark as the night, 
And your hat seems to rise off your head at the 
sight. 

But the auto turned gracefully under command 
Of Dr. A. C, whose strong, steady hand 
Turned it hither and thither, wherever he willed, 
Until Brownsville was reached and the auto stood 

still. 
Twenty-four miles in two hours at night, 
No wonder a child like myself should take fright. 
But now when I think of the romance and bliss 
Of that ride I can say, "Call again, Dr. Smith." 

REDLANDS, CALIFORNIA 

rK HAVE traveled for leagues over mountain 
^ and plain. 

From my home in the East to the golden Coast. 
I have crossed the great desert, a sad dreary 
waste, 
And fertile green valleys of which men may 
boast. 

On Pacific's great bosom, for hundreds of miles, 
I have watched the gray gull on his tireless 
wings ; 



36 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And the whale, sporting free, in his blue ocean 
home, 
Where the sea-lions roar and the coral moss 
springs. 

O'er the Sierra Nevadas, where silver and gold 

Are being procured at a wonderful cost; 
Through canyons and gorges, so sublime to be- 
hold. 
Where Nature's convulsions the rocks high 
have tossed, 

I have lodged in the cities and stopped in the 

towns 

Built back by the mountains, or on ocean 

strands, 

But for beauty and culture I never have found 

A place more congenial than pretty Redlands. 

HAS PASSED 

I OW Christmas has passed, 

With its comforts and cheer ; 
Would God these good feelings 
May last for a year. 

With heart filled with praise 

To Our Father above, 
May we live in the future 

In brotherly love. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 3T 

WHY IS IT? 

a^OU meet with a stranger, while passing 
CS^ along, 

And you part and another is met 
With as sweet a smile, and perchance as fair, 

But the first one you cannot forget? 

Though years may pass, with their joys and their 
cares, 

Which may cause you to laugh or to fret. 
And throngs go by with a smile or a frown. 

But the first one you cannot forget. 

it may have been a short moment you talked, 
Or a glance from a passing car, yet 

A flash of the soul through the eye was all. 
But the first one you cannot forget. 

The first had a soul filled with kindred love 
For the soul which just now it has met, 

And each stamped the other with tender thoughts 
So the first one you cannot forget. 

What a solace in lonely hours to feel 

That another may also regret 
That the passing months bring no word of joy 

From the one they can never forget. 



38 MOODS AND MELODIES 



FOR AN ALBUM 

fAY your life be crowned with the bless- 
ings asked for in this book, and as free 
from sorrow as the invocations are from original 
thought, is the earnest desire of your friend. 

W. C. L. 



M 



ON THE OLD GRAVEYARD 

(When there was an effort to turn it into town 
lots) 

'HAT hallowed memories cluster 'round 
This plot where kindred sleep 
And hearts far distant from this spot 
Love's sacred vigils keep. 



w 



Here aged sires, with toil oppressed. 
To make for loved ones home 

Laid down their weary limbs to rest 
Without one sigh or moan. 

They sacrificed their manly lives. 

In fighting beasts of prey 
And clearing ground of giant oaks 

Where rest their dust to-day. 

Here mothers sleep who nightly prayed 
To God that He would spare 

The lives of children dearly loved, 
Their joys and woes to share. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 39 

Here lies the soldier's manly form, 
Whose heart once true and brave. 

Responded to his country's call. 
Her liberties to save. 

Of revolutionary fame 

Some sleep beneath this sod, 
Who risked their lives this land to free 

From tyrants' heavy rod. 

Yes, sacred memories center here. 

From East to golden West, 
And loving hearts are praying God 

Their kindred here may rest. 

But times have changed since loving hands 
Placed dear ones here in graves. 

Now venal motives hold some men. 
Like shackles on the slave. 

And selfish love of ease or wealth. 

By sordid hearts possessed, 
Begrudge the dust of infant child 

Upon its mother's breast. 

For shame, ye vampire hoards, retreat 

Back to your murky den. 
And ne'er proclaim your selfish schemes 

To sons of patriot men. 



40 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Sleep on, ye brave and sainted dead, 

May God protect your dust. 
Till Gabriel's trumpet shall bid you rise, 

To stand among the just. 

MISGIVING AND HOPE 

jOW hard to comprehend the love 
Concealed beneath the blow, 
That makes our hearts in sorrow bow. 
And lays our dear ones low. 

The mystery that shrouds our minds 

In sorrow's robes to-day, 
Will be revealed in visions clear. 

In God's own time and way. 

And then in anthems loud and long. 

With angels bright above, 
Adoring wisdom, power and grace 

We'll sing redeeming love. 

COMPOSED WHILE DREAMING 

TTN my mail to-night, which came to me^ 
^ A hungry and ragged girl I see — 
An appeal for help that has come to me 
From an orphan girl far over the sea. 







MOODS AND MELODIES 41 



A CALL FROM LOVED ONES 

NE night as I lay on my downy couch, 
I dreamed of a far-away home, 
Where dear ones rejoice in the Saviour's iOve, 
And, reaching out hands, they say. Come, 

Come to the land where no sorrows are known. 
Where we need no light from the sun, 

But the Saviour, dear, is our light and joy, 
As through endless cycles life runs. 

why do you stay in a world of sin, 
That corrupts and defiles the soul. 

When we long to meet you in this fair land — 
A city of pearls and of gold? 

1 answer I long to be freed from sin 
That has cursed my life with its blight. 

And be made rejoice in my Saviour's love, 
Like the saints in your home of light. 

Lord, help me to keep near the Saviour's side. 
And to trust in His guardian care 

To lead me through valleys of sorrow here. 
And my lonely moments to share. 

Then, when sanctified by His blessed word. 

And His spirit has set me free, 
In His strength I will rise to your home of love. 

And live with my Saviour and thee. 



42 MOODS AND MELODIES 

GO WORK IN MY VINEYARD 



'HY stand you here idle, all the day long? 
The Lord of the vineyard had said. 
And they answered, No man hath offered us work 
Whereby we may earn needed bread. 



Go into My vineyard and work, said the Lord, 

Whatever's right I will pay. 
The clusters are ripe and need to be gathered. 

Go, work then, no longer delay. 

Some entered my fields in the early morning. 

And have labored on until noon. 
They are winning the bread that shall never fail. 

Though the harvest be over soon. 

Go into my vineyard and work through the day. 

From noon until set of sun; 
At the close of the day the good Lord himself 

Will say those sweet words, "Weil done." 

See the evening shadows are gathering fast, 

The eleventh hour has come. 
Go into my vineyard and labor to-day. 

While yet there is light from the sun. 

Go into my vineyard and labor to-day, 

Is the word of our risen Lord, 
Then haste to obey while his patience endures. 

And reap in the end rich reward. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 43 

Why tarry, my brother, when Christ bids you go 
To the field where His mercies abound ? 

Go work to the close of life's pilgrimage here 
And at last with salvation be crowned. 

THE VISION 

/^ND he showed me a pure, sweet river of life, 
e%^ Flowing out of the throne of God and the 

Lamb, 
It was clear as a crystal, and deep and wide, 
And flowed with a majesty peaceful and calm. 

And, on either side of this beautiful stream, 

Stood the tree of life in its radiance grand. 
Whose leaves were to heal all the sins of all na- 
tions, 
Both Gentile and Jew, from all climes and all 
lands. 

And none are compelled to cross over this river. 
The life-giving leaves of this tree to obtain ; 

But all are invited to rest 'neath its shadow. 
And eat of the fruit without labor or pain. 

Blessed God, give me words to tell the sweet 
story 
Of life in the water and life in the tree. 
Where sin-burdened souls may drink and be 
happy, 
Or eat of the leaves and give glory to Thee. 



44 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Then come to this river, poor sinners oppressed, 
And drink of the water — 'tis flowing for thee ; 

For here and here only salvation is found, 

'Tis the depth of God's mercy for you and for 
me. 

Delay not to come while the spirit still strives 
To lead you from darkness out into the light, 

He says He will not always strive — ^then beware 
Lest he leave thee in sorrow and take His last 
flight. 

INVITATION 

jrfrROM ivory palaces there comes 
^Jl A smell of spices sweet. 

Soft music, too, from sainted souls. 
The sinner's ear to greet. 

Sweet mercy bows her sacred head, 

And stretches out her hand 
To welcome sinners to her rest. 

From every clime and land. 

She says to you, O men, I call 
The maimed, the halt, the blind. 

My voice is to the sons of men 
Oh, hear, and you shall find 



MOODS AND MELODIES 45 



A peace so sweet, a joy so full, 

No tongue can ever tell, 
The raptures of the heavenly home, 

Where saints and angels dwell. 

There hallelujahs to the Lamb, 

All the redeemed shall sing 
Ascribing glory, honor, praise. 

To heaven's eternal king. 

O strive to join this happy throng — 

The spirit calleth now. 
While mercy waits with outstretched hands 

Unto the Saviour bow. 

THINGS THAT MAKE LIFE PLEASANT 

^OW sweet is the music of singing birds, 
In the early days of spring, 
But sweeter far is the noise that is heard 
As the children shout and sing 

From alleys and streets in city and town, 
O'er valleys and hills in the country brown. 

How dear to my heart are the rosebuds sweet, 

That out of the vine do spring. 
But dearer by far are the children's arms. 
That around my neck do cling ; 

They awake in my heart a kindred love 
To that which comes from the Father above. 



46 MOODS AND MELODIES 

But what are these joys that last but a day. 

In this world of sin and strife, 
When compared with pleasures that last for aye, 
In the home of eternal life? 
A drop in the ocean of endless time. 
Compared with the joys of heaven divine. 

Then why should I let any earthly joy 

Lead my mind so far astray 
As to fill my soul with this world's alloy. 
And shut out the dawn of day, 

That breaks on my vision soft and clear. 
As I study the words of my Saviour dear? 



ON RECEIVING A REQUEST FOR MONEY 
FROM THE TRACT SOCIETY 

TT READ your appeal for money, 
^ In a careless sort of way. 

And thought, it's the same old story, 
Told in a different way. 

There are so many calls for money, 

I cannot give to them all; 
So I laid it aside at once, 

To wait for another call. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 47 



It came, but not in a letter, 

As so many others had come, 
But the voice of my conscience said, 

The Saviour's work must be done. 

I heeded the voice of conscience. 
And turned to see what to do. 

An appeal from hungry children 
Was the first thing met my view. 

Next cripples asked for assistance, 
Then the blind who need our care. 

And the famine-stricken countries. 
Shall they get nothing but prayer? 

The mountain whites in our own land. 

Forgot because of our greed, 
Left to die without the gospels 

On whose word their souls should feed. 

I ceased looking up the letters 
Of Union Sabbath school work. 

Of Y. M. C. A. and missions. 
From none of which we should shirk. 

Then this tract society asks us 

To drop a mite in their till. 
So they with the gospel raptures 

The minds of sinners may fill. 



48 MOODS AND MELODIES 

How noble the work of giving 
To the poor, the blind and weak, 

But grander far to teach a soul 
Salvation through Christ to seek. 

O happy is the man whom God 
Has taught His word to believe. 

That far more blessed is the man 
Who gives than he who receives. 

So I'll try to give a little 

To each call that comes my way, 
And trust to the Lord to give me 

Enough for my needs each day. 



SAD REMEMBRANCE 

HAPPY days, when by my side, 
A loving wife did stand, 
To cheer my heart when troubles dark 
Stood 'round on every hand. 







The keenest sorrows that I felt 
Would fly when she was near ; 

Her presence more than armies strong 
Could keep me from all fear. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 49 



But oh, how lonely are the hours 

I spend from day to day, 
And try in vain some joy to find 

Among the young and gay. 

Could she be with me once again 
My heart with joy would thrill. 

And waking nights and cheerless days 
No more my life would fill. 

Poor, selfish heart, could you now wish 
Your dear who's gone before 

To quit her home of light and love. 
To be with you once more? 

No, God forbid that I should wish 

For such a thing to be ; 
But help me bear my sorrows here, 

My soul from sin set free. 

Then, when my race on earth is run. 

My soul will take its flight 
To heaven, where sorrow is unknown 

And faith is lost in sight. 

We'll meet again, no more to part, 

In mansions fair above. 
And praise through all eternity 

Our Saviour's dying love. 



50 MOODS AND MELODIES 



HISTORY IN VERSE 

'HY weep ye now, by Babylon's streams. 
Ye unbelieving Jews ? 
To trust in God or sinful man, 
You had the power to choose. 



w 



The patient, loving, gracious God, 

Through all the desert way 
Protected from oppressors' hands, 

While Him you did obey. 

Even bread from heaven sweet and pure 

He gave you day by day, 
White like hoar frost or glittering gems 

Upon the ground it lay. 

To let you know his love and power, 

Jordan, at His command. 
Her muddy waters stayed, and like 

A palisade did stand. 

You passed beside the crystal walls 

Of water standing high 
O'er river beds to Canaan's shores. 

And every foot was dry. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 51 

He brought you to a pleasant land. 

Where milk and honey flow; 
And for your sake the mighty kings 

Of Canaan He laid low. 

But when, with peace and plenty crowned, 

To heathen ways you turned 
And clamored for an earthly king 

And God's protection spurned, 

You trusted in your own frail strength. 

Nor on the Lord did call ; 
And soon life's honey sweets were turned 

To bitterness of gall. 

And Babylon's king, with army strong. 
Swooped down like bird of prey. 

And Israel's pride, the young and strong. 
He captive led away. 

And now in cruel bondage chained. 

In bitterness you weep. 
Your harps once tuned to mirthful songs 

On silent willows sleep. 

Sweet songs of Zion, long forgot. 

You cannot sing them now; 
And keen remorse for sinful ways 

Makes all your hearts to bow. 



52 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Weep on until your scalding tears 
Shall melt within your heart 

The idol worship of the land, 
In which you took a part. 

Hear, then, His promise ever true. 

In loving words that burn, 
If you forsake your sinful ways, 

I will to you return. 

Then from oppression's galling hand, 

He will once more release, 
And to your native land again 

Will bring you all in peace. 

And then once more the sacred songs 

Of Zion you may sing, 
Also lie down and sleep secure 

Beneath the shadowing wings. 

THE CALL 

jfROM Persia's rugged hillsides, 
^Jl From India's sunny land. 

From Turkey's bloody empire, 
There comes the Lord's command; 

"Go, teach those needy nations 
The way to truth and right, 

And free the helpless children 
From darkest heathen night." 



MOODS AND MELODIES 53 

CHRISTMAS REVERIE, 1909 

/SIT LONE I sit in my humble abode, 
f^^ Thinking of life that is past ; 
Of the innocent joys of my childhood days. 
That were carried away like the ocean spray. 
Or leaves on the autumn blast. 



Alone I sit in my humble abode. 

Thinking of life since then, 
Of the girls and the boys, the sorrows and joys, 
The love or the hate which comes early or late. 

To make up the lives of men. 

Alone I sit in my humble abode, 

Wondering why this should be, 
When the story sublime, of the olden time. 
Tells of peace on earth by the wonderful birth 

Of a Saviour for you and for me. 

Alone I sit in my humble abode. 

And think of the crimson tide 
That once flowed from the cross for all that are 

lost, 
From the home of the palm to the icebound calm 

Of the north where men abide. 



54 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Alone I sit in my humble abode, 

And list to the Christmas chime 
Of the dear church bells, which the sweet story 

tells 
Of the humble birth of my Saviour on earth 

And the first glad Christmas time. 

Alone I sit in my humble abode 

And thanking my God I say 
All glory and praise to the end of the days 
For the joy that is found in the mystical sound 

Of the bells on Christmas day. 

SAN DIEGO BAY, CALIFORNIA 

•LOW ocean breezes, gently blow 

From islands green, though far away, 
And bear upon your unseen wings 
Sweet peace for San Diego bay. 
For on its shore I sit and watch 
The blue waves trembling in the light. 
Then rushing, dash upon the rocks 
Like maddened furies in a fight. 

The broken waves now turn and flee 
Back to their native home they go, 
And, reinforced, they come again 
Like armies charging on a foe. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 55 



And while this ceaseless war goes on, 
I sit and watch it with delight, 
And sigh regrets because too soon 
Darkness will hide it from my sight. 

Yet still I feel this war will wage 
'Twixt ocean waves and rocks and sand 
Until the foaming tide is stayed 
By peace be still the Lord's command. 
Although compelled to leave you now. 
By twilight darkening into night, 
I'll come again and watch thy waves 
Flash diamond rays in noontide light 
Till then, sweet bay. 
Good night, good night ! 



THE JOYS OF BOYHOOD 

^IJNNE comforting solace is left yet 
\^ That turns all my sorrows to joy. 
Is the fact that long years in the past 
I enjoyed the rare sports of a boy. 
Remember bare feet in the summer 
While tramping through mud on the road. 
Or floating a chip for a steamboat, 
And fancied it carried a load. 



56 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Just think of the hide and go-seek, too. 
So full of excitement and fun, 
In dodging the touch of the seeker 
And gaining the base by swift run. 

Green apples, chock-full of cramp-colic. 
That hung on the tree in the lane, 
Was too much for poor innocent childhood. 
From eating he could not refrain. 

Then mustard placed over the stomach 
And hot brick applied to the feet, 
Then catnip tea flavored with garlic, 
A treatment few doctors could beat. 

Sweet thoughts, how you drive away sorrow. 
And fill a lone heart full of joy, 
While I think of the pleasures of childhood 
And envy the life of the boy. 



THOUGHTS IN THE NIGHT 

f JUMPED into bed with an earnest wish 
To be soon in the land of nod ; 
And committed my all, both spirit and flesh, 
To the hands of a merciful God. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 57 



And soon I was straying in dreamlands fair, 
'Midst trees that were fair to behold, 

In beautiful Redlands far away. 
In the land of roses and gold. 

And by my side sat a lady fair, 

So gentle, so kind, so chaste, 
Who showed mc the beauties of Smiley's heights 

That so lately were barren waste. 

But, touched by the wand of culture and wealth. 
They now bloom like a garden fair. 

With rosc3 and orchids and pansies bright. 
And trees from all lands, that are rare. 

We looked from this modern Pisgah top 

O'er thousands of acres below 
That were green and golden with orange groves, 

Surrounded by mountains of snow. 

But my dream, like all dreams, came to an end. 

Yet it left a delicious pain 
That rankles and burns as the days go by. 

So I long to go back again. 

And behold once more those rapturous scenes 
Whose beauty no tongue can e'er tell. 

And hear once again that tender sweet voice 
That follows me now like a spell 



58 MOODS AND MELODIES 



HYMN NUMBER ONE 

>|fi|N the ocean of time we are drifting along 
K^ Day after day we are nearing the shore 
Where a friend or a foe we will meet 
when we land, 
And fixed will our soul's home be evermore. 

Drifting, drifting, we're helplessly drifting 
Without compass or pilot in our bark ; 

Saviour have mercy and stretch forth thy hand 
And lift us in safety into Thy ark. 

Blest Saviour, Thou hast heard the helpless sin- 
ner cry. 
And hast stretched forth Thy mighty hand to 
save; 
Our life-boat is anchored at the cross where He 
died 
And our souls have been ransomed from the 
grave. 

Drifting no more on sin's stormy ocean, 
But resting secure at the Saviour's cross. 

Singing the anthems of redeeming love 
That saved us though His precious life He lost. 

Anchored forever in heaven's peaceful harbor. 
Tossed no more on sin's ocean, dark and wide. 

But resting secure in the love of our Saviour, 
Washed and made clean by the blood from His 
side. 



MOO DS AND MELODIES Sa 

Drifting no more on the ocean of sin, 
Having no compass or pilot to guide. 

But safe and happy in the Saviour's love 
'Neath His ever sheltering wings I abide. 

THE WINTER KING 

-yH^HE winter king, out of his northern home, 
^fcU Has come with a sprightly air 
And has wrapt the ground in a beautiful robe 
Of snow, so chaste and so fair. 

But I care not how white your snowy robe is. 

You come with a frosty breath 
That strips from the trees autumn's foliage fair. 

And brings to the sweet rose, death. 

O return, stern king, to your cold, icy home. 

Take back your mantle of snow. 
Let the cold earth return to summer's sweet bloom 

And the icebound streamlets flow. 

Then forest and field, with their mantle of green. 

Will cheer wherever we go, 
And the bees sing dreamily in fair bowers 

Where lilies and roses grow. 

O ! cheer me once more with the bright days of 
June, 

That throb with the coming feast 
Which our Father provides in the harvest time, 

Rich viands for man and beast. 



60 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Then hie thee away, winter king, to the north 
To your home of ice and of snow 

And let me rejoice in the flowers' sweet breath 
.When the balmy south winds blow. 



TRUST IN THE KING OF GLORY 

^^I^HE hosts of God are marching on 
^w/ And victory is sure, 
The invitation's free to all. 
Heaven keeps an open door. 

Come, join this army, sinner, come! 

Why longer thus delay ? 
The spirit will not always strive. 

Make haste, and come to-day. 

Now, now is the accepted time. 

The spirit may not stay. 
But take his everlasting flight ; 

Oh! sinner, why delay? 

The King of Glory leads this host 

And they are sure to win 
Who trust in His almighty power 

To conquer every sin. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 61 

The grave his body could not hold. 
Though sealed and made secure, 

And guards patrolled the sacred spot 
To make his capture sure. 

But hell and sinful men in league. 

To disappointment doomed, 
Grew pale and trembled when they saw 

The Lord rise from the tomb. 

Hail ! mighty Conqueror, all hail ! 

The angels cry within ; 
Lift up your heads, ye gates, ye doors. 

And let the King come in ! 



WHAT IS LIFE? 

^Ww4' When leaves do bud, and flow- 
ers bloom ; 
I wait an answer, but in vain, 
For earth is silent as the tomb. 

I ask the stars, the moon, the sun, 

Great lights that shine in heavenly space, 

**0 ! tell me, won't you, what is life?" 
But all move on with silent grace. 



62 MOODS AND MELODIES 

I ask the evening wind that sighs. 
O'er dear ones' grave in silent home, 

"Cannot you tell me what is life?" 
And zephyrs' sigh turns to a moan. 

I ask proud man, "Say, what is life ?" 
And with all his wisdom hoary. 

He answers slow, "I do not know ; 
Go and ask the King of Glory." 

I turn to Jesus' sacred word, 

So reassuring in the strife. 
And read with joy His words so dear, 

"I am the way, the truth, the life." 

My search has fathomed what life is. 
And unto you, O ! men, I call, 

Come give obedience, love and praise. 
To Christ, for He is all in all. 

TO A ROBIN 

322 RIGHT harbinger of balmy winds 
/^ That wakes to life sweet flowers of spring, 
I love to see your bright, red breast, 
To see you hop and hear you sing. 

You're welcome to my garden lot, 
And to my humble cottage home ; 

Come build your nest in vine or tree, 
And tarry here, no more to roam. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 63 



I'll gladly share my bread with thee, 
Or stir the turf that gives you food ; 

Your shrill song cheers my lonely heart. 
To see your bright eyes does me good. 

Then come and make a league with me 
To share my lot and for me sing, 

That I may ever have in mind 

Sweet thoughts of heaven's eternal spring. 



THE PASSING OF THE OLD YEAR 

rST as quiet as a sunset, the old year passed 
away. 
Not into outer darkness, but into endless day ; 
And bore upon his unseen wings a record that is 

true, 
Of noble deeds of kindness we all tried hard 
to do. 

And yet, alas ! how short we come of doing what 

we could 
To soothe lone hearts that sorrowed, and cheer 

the poor with food, 
What wicked one did we turn back from deeds of 

sin and strife 
Into paths of peace and love and of eternal life ? 



64 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Farewell, dear friend, you've hurried on one unit 

more to be 
To close up time's great circle and be eternity. 
You did not die as some assert, for years can 

never die — 
They live, the sinner to condemn, the good to 

justify. 

The record of our lives you keep to meet us at 

the throne. 
And there before the Saviour reveal what we 

have done ; 
What varied records human lives have on thy 

ledger traced, 
That in the awful judgment by each one must 

be faced! 

Thrice happy are they all who strive to keep the 

Lord's commands 

And thankful are for blessings from His most 

gracious hands ; 
They, who in God do put their trust, will find 

protection sure, 
Also mercy, peace and strength, all trials to en- 
dure. 

Trust then, in Jesus only, though dark your page 

maye be; 
He'll make it white as snow by His blood shed 

on the tree ; 



MOODS AND MELODIES 65 



O! help us praise the Saviour, help us worship 
and adore 

Our blessed Saviour, Jesus, both now and ever- 
more! 

BE SURE 

I E sure when you sing of God's mercy 
Your heart is in tune with the song ; 
And strive with a Christian devotion 
To show that to Christ you belong. 

'Tis He who in mercy upholds you 

And strengthens your faith for the fight 

With Satan who strives to destroy you 
And puts all his armies to flight. 

He gives you the hope of salvation 
Through faith in a Saviour so dear ; 

He shed his own blood to redeem you 
And free your sad heart from all fear. 

O ! who can refuse to obey Him, 

Who says, "I'm the truth and the way. 

My home is in heaven eternal," 
Oh, turn to him, sinner, to-day ! 

Yes, come with your heart-burning sorrows. 
Poor sinner, with conscience oppressed; 

Confess Him and live for His glory 

And then your dear soul shall find rest. 



66 MOODS AND MELODIES 

(7 desired to celebrate the fourteenth anniver- 
sary of our marriage but when the day came my 
dear wife was on her death-bed, and I did noli 
have the pleasure I desired.) ^ 

^|f T'S fourteen years ago, my dear, 
/2I Just fourteen years to-day, 
When we from slumbers sweet awoke 
In the morning cold and gray. 

The morning air was crisp and cold, 
But our hearts were warm and true ; 

And hopes beat high within our breasts 
As near the church we drew. 

On January twentieth, 

And in eighteen ninety-one, 
Our single life was forfeited 

And our married life begun. 

When, in the rector's room we stood. 

Side by side in joyous life. 
He from his book of Rubrics read 

Words which made us man and wife. 

Since that sweet day for fourteen years 
I have longed no more to roam. 

With you to share my joys and cares, 
I wish for no other home. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 67 

Yes, fourteen years have come and gone 
Since I took my marriage vow ; 

I loved you then with a loyal heart. 
But I love you better now. 

And now, before these earthly friends 
And God who in mercy reigns, 

I pledge to you unchanging love 
While reason and life remains. 

THE QUESTION 

^'yjlYHY should I not, with love sincere, 
^taJ'^^tl' My Saviour worship and adore. 
When I remember on the cross 
The pain of all my sins he bore. 

He did not leave my guilty soul 
Without a hope to cheer my way, 

But in His loving word divine 

He leads by grace from day to day. 

Help me to read Thy precious word 
With care, like miser counting gold, 

Each morning and at evening, too. 
It's truth and wisdom. Lord, unfold. 

Thy precious promises, O ! God, 

Desponding, doubting hearts do cheer ; 

And faith, with loving hand, leads on 
To free the trembling heart from fear. 



68 MOODS AND MELODIES 

"Come unto me and be ye saved ;" 
O hear the loving Saviour cry; 

"He that believeth shall be saved, 
He that believeth not shall die." 

Dear, Lord, Thy gracious word of love 
No mortal tongue can e'er express ; 

My soul Thy changeless promise claims, 
Turns to the Saviour and finds rest. 

Sweet rest, where doubts and fears no more 
Can give the anchored soul alarm, 

For underneath Thy sheltering wings 
Hell's marshalled hosts can do no harm. 



OCTOBER 

jCTOBER came in with a warm, sweet 
breath 

And a kiss for the weakly rose 
That labors to give out its sweet perfume 
Ere its beautiful petals are froze. 

She came like a queen in her gorgeous robe 
Of crimson, and purple, and brown ; 

When I come to think she is wearing with grace 
Her same old last year's done-over gown. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 69 

And with all the bright tints of the rainbow 
To deck her and make her look gay, 

Soon the breath of time's hoary old frost-king 
At his feet all her beauties will lay. 

But complain not, because all her glories 
Must be changed, yea, must fall and decay, 

For remember that God, in His mercy, 
Will give back far more sweetness in May. 

COCK-ROBIN AND HEN-ROBIN 

COCK-ROBIN and hen-robin, on a June day, 
Had met at a neighboring well 
To talk over matters pertaining to life 
And each had a story to tell. 

They talked of the ills and troubles of life. 

Of joys and of spats by the way; 
And each one tried to prove they were right 

And the wrong on the other to lay. 

He told of the spiders and bugs he had seen 

In a barn but a little way off ; 
He said that spiders would stop diarrhoea, 

And was also quite good for a cough. 

She said I care nothing for spiders or bugs. 

Such nonsense I haughtily spurn, 
I long for a mate with a nest for a home, 

And give me a diet of worm. 



70 MOODS AND MELODIES 

He said, I care nothing for worm or for mate, 
All of which you know very well ; 

And if my advice and kindness you spurn, 
You, your nest, and your worm, go to — . 

She replied, Dear, robin, don't be quite so rude. 
Remember I'm young, and must learn 

How to please my dear robin in keeping a house. 
Though I be deprived of a worm. 

And parting, they each went their several ways. 

For each had humbled their pride. 
But before the sun set the following day 

They had made up and both took a ride. 



(Suggested by some lines in the Christian 

Herald) 
(January 15, ipop). 

IN GOD WE TRUST 



'5 



^i^jfN God we trust," the words are grand, 

But let us see how matters stand. 
For if it's true, then nations strong 
Are judging us poor mortals wrong. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 71 

For oft we read in letters bold 
Our nation has no god but gold ; 
To see if these harsh words are true, 
Let's look at what our people do. 

Railroads and trusts, from greed of gold, 
Are robbing all, both young and old ; 

The orphan's cry, the widow's tears 
Are met with scorn, perhaps with jeers. 

Officers high in church and state 
Are trusting all to luck or fate ; 
Thousands to ball-games daily flock. 
While others gamble, buying stocks. 

They all go in to win or bust, 
With money marked "In God we trust," 
And bankers, too, with diamonds decked. 
Have of confiding friends made wrecks. 

And few of this increasing throng 
Are wearing stripes in prisons strong, 
For laws are made to shield the thief 
That brings to honest toilers, grief. 

They mock the honest toilers' groan 
While sitting high on mammon's throne ; 
All this while statesmen (?) loud proclaim 
"We'll stamp our coin with God's pure name." 



72 MOODS AND MELODIES 

God of our fathers, now forgot, 
Though we have sinned, forsake us not ; 
The motto in our hearts make shine 
So all the world may see we're thine. 

O, make thy blessed word abound 
In every heart the world around. 
Then battleships no more need plow 
The mighty deep with glistening prow. 

Seek first God's kingdom and His grace, 
Have love for all the human race. 
Then on our coin thy blessed name 
Will never cause the blush of shame. 

With Christ's pure love within each breast. 
The whole wide world will be at rest. 

LOVE 

^f OVE soars to higher flights of joy 
>^ Than can be found in things below. 
And revels in the thoughts of God 
And wipes away the tears of woe. 

Love lightens all life's toils on earth 

And closes up the open gap 
Made by the cruel scythe of death 

And shakes the dust from sorrow's lap. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 73 

Love viewed the awful formless void 
That brooded o'er eternal space, 

And moved the Lord to speak the word 
That made great worlds whirl into space. 

Love saw the diadem of life 

Fall from the brow of sinful man 

And to redeem his soul from hell 
Devised salvation's mystic plan. 

'Twas love that caused our Saviour dear 
To yield His live upon the cross 

That sinners, though we all have been, 
Through faith in Him might not be lost. 



BEFORE I CROSS OVER THE BAR 



^|WHi[HILE the wind and the waves are propi- 
\iK^ tious 

And my craft moving on without jar, 
May I serve and adore my Redeemer 

Before I cross over the bar. 

Not because I am worthy His blessings 

Which surround me from near and from far, 

May the Saviour in mercy still guide me 
Before I cross over the bar. 



74 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And when sorrows and death shall assail me 
May my faith point to Bethlehem's star 

And my pilot make heaven a surety 
Before I cross over the bar. 

THE ALABASTER BOX AND LOVE 

/^iKHE alabaster box was broke, 
^u^ The precious ointment spread 
By loving heart and trembling hands 
Upon the Saviour's head. 

*Twas Mary who, a sinful life 

Had lived in former years, 
Forgiven now by Jesus' love. 

She washed His feet with tears. 

And when on resurrection morn 
'Midst Easter's fragrant bloom. 

She hurried forth her Lord to seek 
And met Him at the tomb. 







DRIFTING 



N the tide of life's ocean, we're drifting 
along. 

The waves may be high, may be low, or be strong 
If our helm is guided by God's gracious hand 
We know that on heaven's bright shore we shall 
land. 



MO ODS AND MELODIES ?5 

What a comfort to know when our voyage is o'er 
That sorrows and partings will cease evermore. 
And with those who on earth were enshrined in 

our hearts 
We will worship our Saviour who nevermore 

parts. 

Any loved ones who followed through sorrow and 

strife 
The voice of their Leader who laid down His 

life 
To save us from hell by His own precious blood. 
And fit us for kings and for priests to our God. 

O think of this Leader to guide us through life, 
O think we are saved from all sorrow and strife, 
O think from our loved ones we'll part nevermore, 
O think of our Saviour, to love and adore 1 

REPENTANCE 

j|*OR seven months I gladly tried 
^Jl To lend a helping hand 

To one I longed to see succeed 
In leading fashion's band. 

But when I found mismanagement 

And lavish waste of lucre, 
I then began to feel that they 

Intended me to euchre. 



76 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And goaded by reports I heard 

Of insufficient surety, 
I then betook myself to law 

To seek my own security. 

In this I erred, and here confess. 
With sorrow and with grief, 

And ask Thy sovereign mercy, Lord, 
To give them swift relief. 

Lord, may I not in mercy's name 

Thy gracious mercy plead, 
For being selfish or unkind 

To those who help did need. 

I've prayed, O, Lord, thou knowest well. 
For means to help the poor, 

And grace to look with pitying eye 
On those who sought my door, 

But when the golden moment came, 

I fell and went astray ; 
Deceived by Satan's cunning wiles, 

I chose the evil way. 

And now, forgiving God, I pray 

This may a lesson be, 
And as I need Thy help I may 

Help those who ask of me. 



w 



MOODS AND MELODIES 77, 

HOPING 

[HEN the lullaby song of my life has been 
sung 

And I pass from this life to the dead. 
May Jehovah in mercy give courage and faith 
To relieve me from terror or dread. 

And as through the dark shadowy valley of death 
My poor soul shall be carried along, 

May my blessed Redeemer be close to my side 
Saying, "Fear not, my child, but be strong." 

And when Jordan's cold waves have been passed 
and we stand 
In the haven of love and of song, 
Filled with anthems of praise for my Saviour who 
died 
May I sing with the glorified throng. 

Songs of praise to the Father, the Spirit, and 

Son 
For salvation for sinners like me, 
.Of his own sovereign grace we are washed and 

made white 
By His blood that was shed on the tree. 



78 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Could we praise all the time through eternity vast 
Our redeemer who now reigns above, 

All our efforts would utterly fail to express 
The unspeakable depths of his love. 

WHY 

ME are growing old, my brother. 
And it's hard to understand 
Why the vigor of our boyhood 

Should have passed beyond command, 

Of our minds which growing stronger 
Comprehend with clearer light 

All the problems that confront us 
In this world of wrong and right. 

Why our minds seem growing stronger 

And our bodies growing old. 
Is a problem for the future 

With its wisdom to unfold. 

Philosophers are plenty, 

And their sayings very bold, 
But they cannot give the reason 

For our bodies growing old. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 79 

Astronomers may view the stars 

And their beauty all unfold. 
But they cannot give the reason 

For our bodies growing old. 

Geologists with bilious look. 

Which betokens surplus gall. 
Assert for truth our earth was made 

Ages long before the fall. 

In vain frail man may scan God's works, 

His wisdom to unfold. 
But in His word they can find out 

Why our bodies do grow old. 

Yes, praise the Lord who knows all things. 

He has the reason given. 
Our bodies "shall to dust return," 

Our spirits go to heaven. 

THE YULETIDE 1910 

-y|K HE yuletide season is at hand 
^U/ And our hearts with joy beat higH, 
While many faces eastward turn 
And by faith they hear the cry 
Of angel voices singing 
"Peace on earth, good will to men." 



80 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And the sweet-toned bells are waiting 

Till their joyous tongues can tell 
A sinful world still sleeping, 

That sweet song we love so well — 
"Glory to God in the highest" 
The heavenly host proclaim. 

Let us join this glorious anthem 
As it floats o'er hill and plain, 
And adore and worship Jesus 
With the angel's sweet refrain, 
Hallelujah to the Father, 
To the Spirit, and the Son, 
Hallelujah, Hallelujah, 
To the blessed Three in One. 



CUPID 

CUPID one night after business hours, 
Say, from ten o'clock until two. 
Went off to sleep in a new-blown rose 
And to bathe in the falling dew. 

His sleep was cozy and sweet, but short, 
For before his night's work was done 

He had kindled love's undying flame 
In two hearts that must now be one. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 81 

So the gardener came and cut the flower. 

Thus disturbing poor cupid's rest, 
And placed it with others sweet and rare 

To be pinned on the lady's breast. 

And when the pair at the altar stood. 
And vowed their love always should last, 

Cupid stood by with dimples and smiles 
And covered his bright eyes and laughed. 



# 



GO TEACH 



O herald the news of a Saviour here 

In this world of commercial strife and 



sm, 
Ready to save all the high or the low 
Who will open their hearts and let Him in. 

Go herald the news of a coming glory. 
For those who will trust in a Saviour slain, 

But sorrows and shame for those who reject 
His infinite love with haughty disdain. 



8^ MOODS AND MELODIES 



THE BASHFUL LOVER 



KNOW a lovely lady that my lonely heart 
could cheer, 



i 

But she lives so very far away I don't see her 

once a year. 
She has never said she loves me, but I know her 

heart is true, 
Yet I fear to pop the question in a letter, wouldn't 

you ? 

So I'll write and say I'm coming, but I fear I'll 

be too late, 
For to find my Mae Bell waiting by the little 

wicket gate, 
If I do I'll fondly clasp her in one long and fond 

embrace 
And ask her to become my wife, though she slap 

me in the face. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 83 



THE VOICE 

ll^ HEED the sweet voice of the Saviour call- 
Ki^ ing, 

Saying, "Come unto me and rest. 
Your burden is heavy and hard to be borne. 

Why longer with sin be oppressed?" 

REFRAIN. 

Delay not, dear sinner, to-day is His time, 

Salvation accept and be wise ; 
He's calling you now, but remember He says, 

"My Spirit shall not always strive." 

The voice of the Saviour is tender and kind, 
And he pleads like a friend with friend ; 

He promises strength to the weary and faint 
And grace to endure to the end. 

REFRAIN. 

He sees you are straying in dangerous paths 

Of sin, full of sorrow and gold, 
And He asks you to come to His banquet of love 

That is spread in His spacious fold. 



84 MOODS AND MELODIES 

REFRAIN. 

O, come while He waits to receive you to-night. 
To His spear-pierced bosom of love ; 

And washed by His blood He will give you a 
crown 
To wear in His mansions above. 

REFRAIN. 

{Exceptions taken to a sermon preached by Dr. 
W. H. T. in the First Baptist Church, June I2, 
iQio, in which he said God could not blot out our 
sins and remember them no more. Text, Mat' 
thew p:2.) 

^UT of the vast eternal depths 
Of truth and love divine, 
The beauty of the character 
Of Jesus is sublime. 







He said, with only Godlike love 

Thy sins forgiven be, 
And then with majesty and power 

The palsied limbs set free. 

Unfathomable power and love 
He here to all made known. 

And showed by mercy all divine 
His right to kingly throne. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 85 



And yet we read His precious word 
With mingled faith and doubt, 

And claim this mighty loving God 
Our sins cannot blot out. 

If we by reason cannot tell 
What makes the lily white, 

The daisy crimson, pink or blue, 
Then tell me by what right 

We limit God's infinite power 

Our sins to put away 
And then remember nevermore 

Throughout eternal day ? 

If chemicals remove a stain 
From linen pure and white, 

Why tell me that the spot remains 
But covered from my sight. 

Can finite man a stain remove 
Completely from our view ; 

And shall we tell omniscient God 
'Tis more than He can do ? 

If all our sins have been removed, 
Why then should we persist 

In saying God remembers still 
A thing that don't exist ? 



86 



MOODS AND MELODIES 



If He five thousand souls could feed 

On loaves and fishes few, 
^here then can we a limit place 

On what God wants to do. 

Can we by reason find out God 

And His perfection know ? 
If so, we surely then can tell 

What bird in egg shall grow. 

His thoughts are high as heaven from earth 

Above our thoughts, He says, 
When we can span infinity 

Then we may know His ways. 

Till then with reverence let us say, 

"Dear Lord, without a doubt, 
[Thy judgments are unsearchable. 

Thy ways past finding out." 



DOES SHE THINK OF ME? 



OT 



fITH lonely heart I sit and grieve 
For the loved one I see no more ; 
She passed through the gloomy shades of 
death 
To her home on the golden shore. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 87 

Made perfect by the blood of Christ, 

She hates a sinful world below, 
But I think she loves one sinner yet ; 

O, angels, come and let me know. 

'Midst heaven's glories where she lives 
I think she longs to see me there ; 

P Lord, to meet her in Thy home 
I pray my sinful soul prepare. 

Then at the blessed Saviour's feet 
We'll kneel and to our God give praise 

That to redeem my soul from hell 
His own dear Son He freely gave. 



TO A FRIEND 
{After the death of a sister.) 

jCLY away, tender thought, over mountain 
<JI and plain 

To the heart of the dear one I love to call 
friend. 
Who sorrows to-night in her room all so lonely 
For a sister whose life God brought to an end. 



88 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Go strengthen the heartstrings that now droop 
and languish, 
And stay every thought that gives sorrow or 
pain, 
May the solace of grace from the hand all divine 
Show her now that her loss was her dear sis- 
ter's gain. 

Cheer up, lonely heart, and remember with glad- 
ness 
That the Lord in His mercy is willing to give 
A reunion to all who believe in His son 

With the dear ones who left us in sorrow to 
live. 

In the haze of the mystery that shrouds our frail 
minds 
We are catching slight strains of the joy over 
there 
Where, with Jesus and angels, our dear ones re- 
joice 
At the banquet of love our God has prepared. 

Lord, keep us from grieving for those you have 
taken 
To dwell in Thy presence and sing of Thy love. 
And fit us for joining the ransomed in glory 
In the home Thou has furnished in heaven 
above. 



MOOD S AND MELODIES 89 

VOTE RIGHT 

(Campaign of ipio against Vice and Corruption.) 

/WT the call of the Lord we are marching to-day 
/iA- To fight for the freedom denied us so 

long, 
A freedom to vote for the truth and the right, 
And overthrow vice, corruption and wrong. 

Long years have intrigue and corruption held 
sway 
O'er the state of our birth we once loved to 
claim, 
But of late so debauched by injustice and vice 
The name Pennsylvania brings blushes of 
shame. 

But cheer up, my brother, the day-dawn has come 
And the hand of the Lord now points out the 
way, 
Go vote for brave Berry and Gibbony, too, 
Then virtue and justice and truth will hold 
sway. 

No longer the lash of the boss shall be laid 
On the back of the man that works in the mill 

To force him to vote for a candidate named 
By men who live high off the brew of the still. 



90 MOODS AND MELODIES 

No more shall the widow bend over the tub 
And wash, that her children may have a scant 
mfal; 

In order to raise unjust taxes, to pay 

The graft of the men in the capitol steal. 

No more shall the mother's heart bleed for her 
girl 
Whose cradle she rocked and to whom she 
once sang 
A lullaby song to her innocent babe 

Who's now in a den that's controlled by the 
gang. 

O, men, who profess to be children of God, 
And washed by the blood of the Innocent One, 

Can party ties keep you from doing the right 
When you know such corruption is openly- 
done? 

Let conscience dictate how you vote and be sure 
What conscience approves will not cause you 
worry, 

Then vote for clean politics, virtue and truth. 
And you'll elect our next Governor Berry. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 91 

WHY SHOULD WE STRIVE? 

f HY should we strive for gold that rusts, 
Or honors man can give, 
When Christ, who owns the universe, 
Says "trust in Me and live?" 



m 



What comfort to the weary heart. 

These words of Jesus bring ! 
Despairing souls can now look up 

And lonely hearts can sing. 

From hovel of the humble poor 

To mansions bright above, 
To jasper walls and streets of gold, 

And blessed with Jesus' love. 

What tender mercy God bestows 

On all His laws who keep 
And trust His all-protecting care 

While waking or asleep ! 

We cannot hide our ways from God, 

However much we try. 
For all our thoughts both good and bad 

Are open to His eye. 

The good man's steps He guides aright. 

In paths of righteousness, 
And shields him from the tempter's power 

In times of sore distress. 



93 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And if, in poverty and want, 

His earthly life be past. 
In God's own mansions pure and fair 

His soul shall rest at last. 



IT STANDS UNCHANGED 



>|ft^N the spindle of time, the canvas of life, 
^fl^ With its record of wrong and of right. 
Is being preserved by a hand all divine 
And hidden away from our sight. 



The ratchet that fastens the great wheel of time 
Can by no means be lifted at will. 

Nor can we go back and correct our mistakes 
And our ledger with good deeds refill. 

If that were the case, we would all stand ap- 
proved 

In the land where time ceases to be, 
And stand with the purified saints of the Lord 

Before His throne on the crystal sea. 

But remember, dear friend, and mind what I say 
For you cannot trust all to yourself. 

To pilot your train through a world full of sin 
Where all seek either pleasure or pelf. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 93 

Remember such assets will never avail 

To secure you a pass at the gate, 
For Peter, the solemn old guard, will make known 

That your name is not found on his slate. 

Riches, or pleasure, or social position, 

That are sought for so much here, you know, 

5/Vill only condemn their possessor up there 
And secure him a place down below. 

That is, if he trusted in such things as those 
I have mentioned, to give him a right 

To the joys of heaven prepared for the souls 
That the blood of our Saviour made white. 

Trust not in position or honor or wealth. 
Naught will avail of all man can give, 

A new birth is what He requires of all ; 
Trust only Jesus, serve Him and live. 



THE VINE 



^H^P from between some moss-covered rocks 
^Stl' There grew a delicate vine ; 
And sought support from some sturd oak 
Around whose trunk it might climb. 



94 MOODS AND MELODIES 

But seeing none negir its barren home 
Where its tendrils might be wound. 

And finding it could not soar aloft. 
It threw itself on the ground. 

Then over the ragged rocks it grew 
And covered their storm-worn face 

With beautiful arms of living green 
In festoons of nature's grace. 

Here learn a lesson from this weak vine 
That sought others to help but found none, 

Make use of surroundings God has given. 
Trust Him, and go it alone. 

And if you do not achieve great fame, 

Or riches, like some others. 
Spread out the mantle of Christian love 

And hide the faults of others. 



BIRTHDAY GREETING 



^^f|rAY many peaceful birthdays dawn, 
jjl^' Your heart and home to cheer, 
And may you grow in grace and love 
To'rds God from year to year. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 95 



FAITH CURES 

TTF you touch but the hem of His garment, 
3i The virtue of Jesus is sure, 
To remove from the sinner his ailments 
And sickness and sorrows all cure. 

When we know there is power in Jesus 

Our sickness of body to stay, 
Tell me, why He is not also able 

To take all my soul's sins away ? 

Let me come in the faith of the woman 
The touch of His garment made whole. 

And believe that a touch of His spirit 
Will drive all sin out of my soul. 

Unbeliever, by prayer strive to touch Him, 
His heart is so tender and kind, 

He is waiting and longing to cleanse you ; 
O, seek and salvation you'll find ! 

Ask in faith, for His word He has given 
To save all who trust in His name, 

And the glories of heaven are better 
Than all of earth's riches or fame. 



96 MOODS AND MELODIES 

What are riches or honors or station 

That last as it were for a day. 
When compared with the love of the Saviour 

That endures forever and aye? 

Heed the voice of the dear, pleading Saviour, 
Remember the price that it cost, 

The life of God's dear Son a ransom 
To purchase men's souls that were lost. 



CHRISTMAS, 1911 

ME hail the natal day of Christ 
With songs of grateful praise. 
And at Thy throne of grace we tryst 
To learn Thy gracious ways. 

We thank Thee, Lord, that Thou didst send 

Thy manger-cradled Child, 
To teach our stubborn wills to bend 

To mandates pure and mild. 

Come in Thy love and teach us how 

Thy name to glorify. 
And may we in submission bow 

To guidance from on high. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 97 

May love for Christ our souls inspire, 

To praise His precious name, 
Until our thoughts shall be on fire, 

His honor to proclaim. 

Then we, like angels, 'round Thy throne 

May hallelujahs sing; 
And to the world our love make known 

For Christ, our heavenly King. 

AMBITION 

Jf OOKING back o'er the years of my life that 
>V have gone. 

To be joined to that something, whatever it be, 
That never knows change like the life of the Lord,. 

And is known to all people as eternity. 

What a strange revelation of things I have done 
Come hurrying back through the vista of years. 

The things I did then when ambition held sway 
Now bring but remorse and the penitent's tears. 

Cruel tyrant, ambition in all ages past. 
At whose shrine countless millions of votaries 
lie. 
Who had chased the dim phantom of wealth or of 
fame 
'Till exhausted and weak they sicken and die.- 



98 MOODS AND MELODIES 

The bugle-weed trumpet ambition that lures us. 
Like the rainbow that points to a pot of gold, 

Are a myth of dark ages we learn when too late 
The siren, ambition, leads straight to death's 
fold. 

Alexander the Great, and Julius Csesar, 
Are examples of what ambition leads to; 

The murder of millions and then, like Napoleon, 
Find defeat and exile at dark Waterloo. 

Thus millions of innocent lives have been given. 
To foster ambition for wealth or for fame ; 

While the cry of the widow and orphans still left 
Stamp ambition a spark from hell's cruel flame. 

Be content with the things the good Lord has 
given, 
For in a short time you will rest in the grave. 
Live at peace with all men and do all that you 
can 
From death that's eternal some poor soul to 
save. 

ELOPING 

^^O shun father's threatened ire 
VU/ Two lovers sailed away 
Upon the ocean, dark and deep. 
In the morning twilight, gray. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 99 

An awe-inspiring storm arose, 
The surging waves, rolled high. 

No voice of living thing was heard 
Save petrels' piercing cry. 



The proud ship strove to stem the tide. 
And face the shrieking blast, 

But all in vain for soon her decks 
Were swept of sail and mast. 



The father wrung his hands and cried, 

My child, my only child, 
May God protect your precious life 

From foaming waters wild. 



Hot thunderbolts and lightning hissed 

Upon the clashing waves, 
And yet through all this dreadful storm 

The lovers seemed quite brave. 



They clasped each-other's hands and laughed 

Like persons driven mad, 
Then Mary, to her lover, said, 

"John, didn't we fool dad 1" 



100 MOODS AND MELODIES 



JOY RIDING 



^UMMING, tooting, how it whirls. 
Full of laughing boys and girls. 
First the joy, and next the woe, 
As around the town they go. 

In an auto chauffeured well, 

Flying like an imp of , 

When a turn he tries to make, 
Then he learns his great mistake. 

For the brakes refuse to work, 
And they feel a sudden jerk. 
When against a pole it crashes. 
On the ground the load it dashes. 

Broken arms, and ribs galore. 
End one merry joy-ride more ; 
How did it happen? I have learned 
The auto to a turtle turned. 

No, no, turned turtle, that's the word. 
And when the accident occurred 
The auto skidded on the track 
And then turned over on its back. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 101 

At fifty miles an hour, you know, 
Is now the speed they Hke to go; 
And at that speed to make a curve 
Is what the chauffeurs say takes nerve. 

But truth to tell, it's lack of brains 
That causes many deaths and pains. 



WOMAN 



^^|rt[OMAN, our morning star, 
ViJ^u4' To guide our infant ways; 
Woman, our noon-day star. 
To cheer our hearts with praise. 



Woman, our evening star, 
Our lonely hours to bless ; 

Woman, to soothe our minds 
At the approach of death. 

God bless our stars. 

May they ever shine clearer. 

And ever draw nearer. 



103 MOODS AND MELODIES 



SHE WANTED TO KNOW 

COME, talk of the love that our young hearts 
enjoyed, 
And the rapture we felt at a smile 
That betokened a heart yet unsullied by sin, 
The sin of deception and guile. 

Yes, talk of the love then so tender and sweet, 
That beamed from each eye then so bright. 

And the words of affection that burned like a fire 
Lit up by a heavenly light. 

0, talk of the night that we sat in the bower. 

Surrounded by roses so sweet. 
And the moon, in her starlighted path, sweetly 
threw 

Her silvery smiles at our feet. 

It was there that we plighted our love with a kiss, 

A kiss of unchanging true love. 
That was sealed by the angel of truth as he passed 

Up to the bright mansions above. 

Cafi you tell me once more in the twilight of life 
That your love has always been true, 

And your heart beats as warm for your aged 
old wife, 
As mine does, my dear one, for you? 



MOODS AND MELODIES 103 



CONSTANCY 



CONSTANCY, like gravitation. 
Shall endure while time shall last. 
Cannot be moved by any power. 
E'en earthquake, shock or tempest blast. 

Constancy of human friendship. 
May endure through earthly life. 

But too often like a flower 
Fades because of sin or strife. 

O, that human hearts like magnets 
Could be charged from heavenly pole 

With the constancy of Jesus, 
Filling every living soul ! 

Then estrangements soon would vanish. 
And a friend would be a friend, 

Though by trials disappointed 
Constancy would never end. 

Think how we neglect the iour, 
And His word of love disdain. 

Trusting only human wisdom. 
Seeking only earthly gain. 



104: MOODS AND MELODIES 

Still His constancy remaineth, 
And our hearts with joy He fills ; 

Still He pleads with love's devotion, 
'Till He breaks our stubborn wills. 

Gracious God, we plead Thy guidance, 
Fill our hearts with love divine, 

Then friendships here will not be broken, 
Our constancy will be like Thine. 



SABBATH, OCTOBER 1ST, 1911 

^ OW good, and kind Thou art, O, Lord, 
To sinners such as I, 
Who fail to keep Thy precepts just 
However hard we try. 

Yet Thou art giving life to all, 

A thing we cannot do ; 
Teach us to look to Thee for friends, 

For joys and wisdom too. 

For Thou art all and all is Thine, 

Around, beneath, above. 
The beauties of the earth and sky 

All show Thy wondrous love. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 105 

Help us to praise Thy glorious name, 

For this sweet day of rest, 
And for Thy gracious word divine 

By which we all are blessed. 

Help us to read each line with care. 

In faith with filial love, 
And find the peace, the joy divine, 

That comes from God above. 

Forgive wherein we have transgressed 

Thy holy laws this day ; 
All for the blessed Saviour's sake 

And this we humbly pray. 



HOME, MAY 14TH, 1911 



i^l^HE central sun of earthly life, 
^w/ A gift from God above. 
Is home, though found in cave or hut. 
But filled with Christian love. 

Where parents teach the word of God, 

And family altars raise. 
To train the dear ones God has given. 

To sing their Maker's praise. 



106 MOODS AND MELODIES 

No wealth or fame that men acquire 
Through selfish greed or lust, 

Can be compared with joys that come 
To those whom Jesus trust. 

Dear home, where first a mother's love 
First taught my childish heart 

To trust in Jesus, Christ alone 
Salvation to impart. 

Sweet home of infancy so dear, 

I seek you now in vain; 
For strangers have your beauty marred, 

To see it gives me pain. 

The strongest bulwarks nations have 
Are homes where God is feared, 

[Where loyal sons and daughters, too, 
By Christian minds are reared. 

Now blessed be the name of Christ, 
Whose word I trust and love, 

He will in future coming world 
Give me a home above. 

[There in His loving presence, I 
Will find my truest friend. 

And join with loved ones gone before 
In songs of praise, amen ! 



MOODS AND MELODIES 107, 

THE TIE THAT BINDS 

/^fKHE tie that binds a life to God 
^u/ In fellowship and love, 
Was never made by human hands, 
'Twas forged in heaven above. 

Once anchored in a human heart, 

This tie which is divine, 
Brings peace and comfort to the soul 

And makes a life sublime. 

No more can sin and strife distract 

The soul that trusts in God, 
For though He calls our dear ones home 

We bow beneath His rod. 

And feel that when this life shall end 

Our soul will find its rest 
With Christ and dear ones gone before 

To live among the blest. 

Full well we feel no power of sin 

This tie of love can sever, 
By it we're anchored to our God, 

In Christ, and that forever. 



108 MOODS AND MELODIES 

PERHAPS A BLESSING 

I ECAUSE I cannot hear, forsooth. 
To clack with those who can, 
I'm set aside by old and young. 
By females and by man. 

But what a blessing in disguise. 

It gives me time to think 
Of something better than their theme 

Of what to eat and drink. 

The gossips of the day, thank God, 

Have little chance to tell 
Me of the social discords vile 

That would shame a guest of u 

The pessimist with solemn face 
And filled with tales of woe. 

Can't tell me of the evil deeds 
Of neighbor so and so. 

Then parents often love to tell 

About a serious fuss, 
Caused by a neighbor's saucy brat, 

A wicked little cuss. 

All this, and many other things, 

I do not want to know, 
I miss because I cannot hear 

And gladly let them go. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 109 



What blessings often in disguise 

Afflictions seem to be, 
Hiding from us evil things 

We should not hear or see. 

NOVEMBER 13TH, 1911 

{In a terrible storm this afternoon I watch the 
sparrows seeking shelter, and then wrote) : 

-^ OVEMBER showed a kindly face 

^Ifjr Until at noon to-day, 
And then she scowled and fiercely stormed 
In an unbecoming way. 

Fierce wind the snow in eddies whirled 

Wherever one would look ; 
And little sparrows shelter sought 

In every friendly nook. 

Poor little birds, my sympathies 
Are stirred within my breast, 

I wonder where you'll find a home 
This night where you can rest. 

May God who notes the sparrow's fall 

Guide you to some retreat. 
Where neither wind or cruel frost 

Can freeze your tiny feet. 



110 MOODS AND MELODIES 

CHILDREN IN HEAVEN 
{Matthew i8:io.) 

TT AM glad the Scriptures have told me 
<^ That children in heaven shall be, 

To worship the King in His beauty 
And feed on the life-giving tree. 

O, what would the world be without them, 
How dreary, how dark, and how cold. 

Would heaven be joyous and happy 
Without a dear child in its fold ? 

May Glod bless the dear little children 
And help them to trust in His love, 

In death may the angels translate them 
From earth to His mansions above. 

O, help us to love the dear children 
So trusting, so roguish and wise, 

The smiles of the Heavenly Father 
Seems resting within their bright eyes. 

The blessing of God rest on all those 
Who teach their young hearts to obey 

The precepts of Jesus our Saviour 
And trust in His mercies each day. 

At last when the ransomed are gathered 
To dwell with our Saviour above, 

May those who taught children to trust Him 
Be crowned with His heavenly love. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 111 



TO ANNIE IN HEAVEN 

/W'N honest heart beat in your breast 
AJ^ Toward man and toward your God, 
And virtue's fragrant paths alone 
Your earthly feet had trod. 

Then God who loved you called you home 

To crown you with His love, 
Where you, with angels pure, may roam 

Through heavenly fields above. 

Now left alone 'midst scenes of sin, 

To God, I daily pray, 
For faith to trust His word divine 

To guide me day by day. 

May Christ, the precious lamb of God, 

For all my sins atone, 
That we may meet to part no more 

In heaven our final home. 



THE PANSY 

2JJEAUTIFUL Pansy, brown and gold, 
7^ Purple and red and blue. 
With white tanned by the sun's hot rays 
And bathed in morning dew. 



112 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Your gorgeous robe looks strangely rich 

For one so very small, 
For modesty and beauty you 

Surpass the flowers all. 

Strange that a beauty rare as thine 
Could spring from out a clod, 

No, 'tis not strange for leaf and flower 
And beauty come from God. 

And if we would be beautiful, 

Like modest pansy sweet, 
We must with faith and love be clothed 

And kneel at Jesus' feet. 



PSALM 101 METRED 
(David's Psalm.) 

A^ F mercy and of judgment I 
^^ To Thee, O Lord, will sing, 
I wisely in a perfect way, 
To Thy just laws will cling. 

When wilt Thou come to me, O Lord, 
And perfect make my heart, 

That I within my house may walk 
And Thy pure laws impart? 



MOODS AND MELODIES 113 



Before mine eyes no wicked thing 

Will I permit to be, 
The work of them that turn I hate 

It shall not cleave to me. 

A forward heart from me shall go 

And wicked persons too, 
Who privily his neighbor doth 

With slander vile pursue. 

He that is high of look and proud 

Of heart I will cut off, 
Nor will I suffer wicked men 

My holy name to scoff. 

Upon the faithful of the land 
Mine eyes shall always be 

That they in perfect way may walk 
And serve and dwell with me. 

A worker of deceit shall not 

Within my house abide, 
Nor shall he tarry in my sight 

That under lies doth hide. 

I early will destroy with death 
The wicked of the land. 

Nor in the city of the Lord 
Shall evil-doers stand. 



114 MOODS AND MELODIES 

THE CHANGE 

ftF^lME is winging us away 
^w^ On golden wings of love 
From scenes of strife and sorrow here 
To scenes of joy above. 

There sorrows somber robes will be 
Exchanged for robes of light, 

And sin's dark frown will ne'er be seen 
In realms of endless light. 

And O, the joy unspeakable, 
Our Saviour there to meet. 

Where we, like Magdalene, may bow 
And kiss His sacred feet. 

Triumphant Saviour, righteous Lord, 

All honor be Thine own. 
Sit Thou in glorious majesty 

Upon Thy changeless throne ! 



QUEEN QUALITY SHOE 

ll^UEEN Quality shoe is so handsome 
^^W^ Attractive, becoming and neat, 
You can tell by the face of the wearer 
She is proud to be seen on the street. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 115 

A neat foot is always attractive. 

When dres't in a shoe soft and clean, 

And this all may have if they purchase 
The beautiful Quality Queen. 

Queen Quality shoe is attractive, 

Excelling all others in style. 
And the comfort it gives to the wearer 

Produces an audible smile. 

Queen Quality shoe fits completely 
From the heel clear down to the toe, 

Yet the joints are so free in their motion 
That the wearer is puzzled to know 

How to account for the comfort, 

The feeling of exquisite rest, 
In their feet while standing or walking 

That they look to see whether they're 
dres't. 

To those seeking beauty or comfort. 

As most of us mortals will do, 
Will find both combined, also pleasure. 

In wearing Queen Quality shoe. 



116 MOODS AND MELODIES 

THE HUSBAND'S ANSWER 

MHY talk of the love, dear, that filled our 
young hearts 
When the dew of youth lay on our brow ; 
The then baby love that our hearts filled with joy 
Is a stalwart old giant just now. 

The warmth of love's smiles that then beamed 
from our eyes, 

And would fill our young hearts with delight. 
Were only a shadow compared with our love 

Which now shines with a heavenly light. 

Think not of the roses or moon-lighted bower, 
They were emblems of light and of shade; 

But think of the love that now burns in our hearts 
With a heavenly light that ne'er fades. 

The kiss that plighted our love in the bower 

And the joy I can never forget, 
But the joy of the kiss you gave me to-night 

Is a sun, dear, that never can set. 

And now in the twilight of life I can say, 
My profession of love has been truth. 

And my heart beats as warm for your dear saintly 
face 
As it did in the days of my youth. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 1 17 

MARCH, 1912 

^ /TlfVIDST snow and ice and boisterous wind 
^jin The spring of Nineteen Twelve was 
born, 
And since the morning of her birth 

We've had successive squalls and storm. 

Through dreary months of winter's cold 
We all have longed to see you come, 

With smiling face of warmth and joy 

And songs of birds from south-land home. 

But here you are with frown and cry 
And nose as blue as Damson Plum ; 

In tattered robe of winter's cold 
You look like any common bum. 

Throw off your cloak of ice and snow. 

And don the sunny robe of spring, 
Bring back the blue-bird and the lark 

And let us hear the robin sing. 

Let smiles of youth and joy proclaim 
Your presence to the frozen earth, 

And warmth awake the sleeping buds 
And give the crocus' new birth. 



118 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Give foliage to the trees now bare, 
And verdure to the hills so brown ; 

Bring sunshine that makes all rejoice 
In country hamlet, city town. 

Then we will drink your health and sing 
Praise to our God who rules above. 

For rain and sun for leaf and flower 
Which all proclaim His wondrous love. 

THE CROSS 

-ytKHE rainbow arch of covenant love 
^U/ On thee its colors throw. 
And peace and pardon from above 
Makes thy rude form to glow. 

The emblem of man's utmost hate 

Is emblem now of love, 
And death the wayward sinner's fate 

Is changed to life above. 

In thee God's love and mercy shine 

Too deep for angel's ken, 
And shows compassion all divine 

To'rds erring, sinful men, 

O, wondrous cross, we love not thee 
But Christ, the Son of God, 

Who died on thee to set us free — ■ 
Him v/ill we love and laud. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 119 



SUNSHINE 



' HEN the days are dark and dismal, 
And the rain-clouds fill the sky, 
Then despair almost abysmal 
All my peace and patience try. 



Then I long to be where sunshine 
Pencils beauty on the hills, 

And revives the sickly woodbine 
'Till the air with sweets it fills. 

Give me plenty of the sunshine 
That all nature fills with cheer 

And makes despondent life sublime, 
Giving joy instead of fear. 

Let me have the conscious feeling 
That there's light beyond the cloud 

And that God in all His dealings 
Speaks with voices clear and loud 

Saying trust not things that perish, 
For they all must pass away, 

But the word I gave you, cherish 
And its precepts all obey. 

Then when life on earth is ended 

You shall find eternal rest 
Where your faith and hope are blended 

In the sunshine of the blest. 



120 MOODS AND MELODIES 

ONLY THINE 

-TT AM waiting to hear from my sweetheart to- 
/v night 

The few words that will bring joy or pain, 
And I hope that my heart will be thrilled with 
delight 
As I hear my adored one exclaim : 

"I will be thine only, my dear one, 
Always and only thine." 

Could I hear those sweet words from the lips of 
my queen 
Hallowed peace would come over my soul 
And I'd quaff the sweet nectar from love's fairest 
dream 
While my life those sweet words should con- 
tole— 

"I will be thine only, my dear one, 
Always and only thine." 

Then through the fair bowers of life's golden 
morning 
"We would wander together in joy 
And gathering flowers our pathway adorning 
Only death could those sweet words alloy — 
"I will be thine only, my dear one, 
Always and only thine." 



MOODS AND MELODIES 121 



Chick-a-dee-chick-a-dee ! I would sing like a lark 

If she only consents to be mine, 
With her eyes full of light that now shine like a 
spark 
From a magnet of love all divine : 

"I will be thine only, my dear one. 
Always and only thine." 

And when the death angel should come to trans- 
late us 
From this world to our mansion above, 
May Jesus our Saviour let nothing deter us, 
But speak only those sweet words of love — 
"I will be thine always, my dear ones, 
Always and ever thine." 

THE VIOLET 

/^ TINY seed dropped on the ground 
<vf From where I do not know, 
And warmed by sun and wet by rain. 
It soon began to grow. 

When from the earth's dark cell it peeped. 

And by the light was met. 
It dawned a robe of azure blue 

And we call it violet. 



123 MOODS AND MELODIES 



SPRING 

/Sir WAKE, O earth, the heralds cry, 
X^ At last I've come to stay ; 

I scatter sunshine, rain and heat 
To make sweet flowers in May. 

Behold, the hills and meadows now 

All dressed in living green. 
The sparkling rills and gorgeous flowers 

Surpass a fairy's dream. 

And man goes forth with horse and plow 

To stir the sleeping earth ; 
He plants the grain and trusts in God 

To give the seed new birth. 

Man does his part and then the Lord 

Rewards him for his toil, 
And soon on hills and valleys wave 

Rich treasures from the soil. 

O sinful man, why should you doubt 

God's mercy or His care? 
'Tis he alone these blessings give 

From out His treasures rare. 

All this He does that you may know 

The wonders of His love, 
And that He longs to give to all 

A better home above. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 133 

O give your hearts to Christ in love, 

Long not for crowns of bay, 
Give God your love and get a crown 

That never fades away. 

FIDELITY 

CLOSE by a mountain streamlet sat 
A maiden young and fair, 
With eyes as bright as polished stars 
And curly auburn hair. 

In listless mood she seemed to dream 

Of days that come no more. 
And on her dimpled finger fair 

A plain gold band she wore. 

The one that placed that gold band there 

Was in her thoughts that day, 
And well she knew long years before 

Her loved one sailed away. 

In search of gold in distant land 

With which to buy a home 
Where they in sweet content might live 

No more to be alone. 

He labored hard, his fortune grew, 

'Till he was satisfied 
To seek again his native land 

And claim her for his bride. 



124 MOODS AND MELODIES 

He reached his home and found his love. 
And though he long had tarried, 

Her love was true and so was his. 
And they were duly married. 

BLAZE YOUR WAY 

MHILE you're young and strong and 
healthy 
And are fit for any fate, 
If you wish to be called wealthy. 
Seek it early, seek it late. 
Blaze your way. 

Trials sore may oft beset you, 
And your way be full of thorns. 

And your friends may all desert you 
Under guise of social forms. 
Blaze your way. 

For the one who pulls the quinces 

On October's frosty morn 
Is the one who never winces 

But will face the darkest storms. 
Blaze your way. 

And remember, success never 
Seeks the laggard for a chum. 

But is on the lookout ever 

For the one that makes things hum. 
Blaze your way, blaze your way. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 125 

THE OBJECT OF LOVE 

i^lKHERE'S a feeling of love welling up in my 
xl/ heart 

Yet the object I love is unseen. 
But its sweeter by far than the dream of first love 

And fairer than moon's softest beam. 

For the object I love is my Saviour so kind 
That He leads me by day and by night, 

And though sorrows may strive to o'ershadow 
my way. 
Yet His presence makes all my path bright. 

Help me praise Thee, dear Saviour, for what 
Thou hast done, 
To redeem me from endless despair, 
And provide me a home with the saints of the 
Lord 
In Thy mansions where all is so fair. 

Through eternity's cycles I pray, gracious God, 
Let my poor tongue Thy praises proclaim. 

And be utterly thrilled with delight at the sound 
Of my dear Saviour Jesus' sweet name. 

Hallelujah to God, for the gift of His Son, 
Hallelujah to Jesus, the victory He won. 

Let the angels adore Him and saints join the 
strain. 
Hallelujah to Jesus, our Saviour once slain. 



126 MOODS AND MELODIES ' 

A PLEASURE 

MHAT a pleasure to ride on the swift wheel 
of time 
As it carries us on towards the final bright goal 
Where the dear ones that left us to dwell here 
alone 
Are waiting to greet us in the home of the soul. 

In the home of the soul, where the heart-beat of 
time 

Will be stilled and yet life shall continue to be 
Sweeping 'round the great open eternity's home, 

Ever praising our God who from sin set us free. 

The joy that awaits those who trust in the Sav- 
iour 
Is beyond the conception of man's fairest 
dreams. 
And we must await the progression of glory 
That will fit us to gaze on the rapturous scenes. 

But one thing we know, for the scriptures have 
told us 
There will be no more weeping nor sorrows' 
dark night, 
But souls will be filled with the love of the Sav- 
iour 
And will sing of His mercies with endless 
delight. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 127 



O, may the dear Lord give us joy in His service, 
Even now while in bondage to sorrow and pain, 

That the songs of redemption may ravish our 
souls 
As we sing of the love of the Lamb that was 

slain. 

THE STREAM OF TIME 

OWN the stream of time I'm drifting, 
Swifter moves the dripping oar. 
Soon the hills of time will vanish 
From my sight forever more. 

Then what sights will meet my vision 
In that vast unbounded space, 

Will it be eternal pleasure 
Meeting Jesus face to face 

Am I trying now to serve Him, 
And to make His word my guide, 

Striving not for worldly honors 
But to honor Christ who died. 

Died to save poor, fallen sinners. 
Not alone from pains of hell. 

But to free them from temptations 
In this present life as well. 

Sweet the thought of daily service 
In the Master's vineyard here. 



128 MOODS AND MELODIES 

But O, the joy to serve Him yonder 
Where no sin can interfere ! 

O, my Saviour, cleanse me wholly 
From the lusts of flesh and eye; 

Fit me for Thy home in glory 
And in triumph let me die. 



A NAME 
id- 



NAME is but a passing thought 
Unless that name with good deeds 



fraught 
Lives in the hearts of men. 

In vain on bronze or granite shaft 
Some strive to make their memories last, 
While men and time endure. 

More lasting than the sun the fame 
Of all who trust in Jesus' name 
And help the needy poor. 

So if you would in memory live 
Your purse-string open freely give 
To help those in distress. 

With some the Lord has put in trust 
Abundance of the golden dust 
To make His children glad. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 139 

Therefore, if you are seeking fame, 
God's wondrous love and truth proclaim 
To all your fellow men. 

Obedience to the God above 
In sowing seeds of faith and love 
Will bring a rich reward. 

He who a sinner turns to God 
From evil paths in which he trod. 
Shall shine like stars, for aye. 

THERE'S A ROSE IN MY GARDEN FOR 
YOU 

TT AM thinking to-night of a dear little friend 
^ Whose warm heart is so tender and true. 
But she's off in a town by a lake far away, 
Dear me, what can a poor fellow do ? 

Could I fly with the speed of a bird o'er the hills 
That are bathed in the sparkling dew, 

I would soon clasp her hand and with joy I would 
say: 
"There's a rose in my garden for you." 

I will write and make known that I'm lonely and 
sad. 
And the world with its joys seems so blue. 
And I'll say there's a warmth in my heart little 
Mae, 
And a rose in my garden for you. 



130 MOODS AND MELODIES 

There is peace in my heart as I look at your face 

As portrayed in a photo so true. 
And I send you a kiss now and bid you good- 
night, 

There's a rose in my garden for you. 

REFRAIN. 

Dear little Mae Bell, queen of my heart, 
Come to my bosom no more to depart. 
Pillow your head on my breast, little Mae, 
Let me rejoice in your love every day 



I HAVE SOMETHING TO TELL YOU 

TTjf HAVE something sweet to tell you, 
^ It's the secret of my joy. 

And I long to share it with you, 
It is peace without alloy. 

It is sweeter far than roses 
Save that one on Sharon's hill 

Which forever keeps on blooming 
And the world with fragrance fills. 

In this story I would tell you, 
There is onty peace and love. 

Which death can never take away 
It comes from God above. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 131 

Would you share my peace and comfort, * 

Seek it just as I have done, 
At the cross where Jesus suffered 

And by death the victory won. 

He will give it to the sinner 

That will ask in faith sincere, 
And will fill the heart with gladness 

That before was filled with fear. 

He is waiting to befriend you, 

But He will not always wait, 
Accept the mercy offered now 

Lest to-morrow be too late. 

GOD IS LOVE 

'5jr OOK into the eyes of an innocent child, 
J^ And note the sweet smile on its face, 
And tell me in truth if the words "God is love" 
Is a difficult matter to trace. 

Look into your heart that is clouded by sin 
Which is common to all of our race, 

Then think of salvation provided for all 
By infinite sovereign grace. 

Endeavor to fathom God's infinite love 

For all who were lost by the fall. 
And that the spirit may help you to hear 

The dear Saviour's voice when He calls. 



133 MOODS AND MELODIES 

"Ho, everyone, come to the river and drink, 
Though your sins have a crimson hue. 

Is the Saviour's loving appeal to all 
And everyone surely means you!" 

When we think of the child, the heart and the sin. 

The mercy that comes from above 
And rescues poor sinners from undying woe. 

We surely can say "God is love." 

REFLECTIONS ON GOD'S MERCY 

JftfK Y waking hours upon my bed 
^jfl^l' Reveal Thy graces so sweet 
Of loving kindness so great 
No tongue can e'er repeat. 

Thy condescending love, O God, 

To think of one like me, 
Should raise my soul in rapturous songs 

Of love and praise to thee. 

Thy promise of sustaining grace 

Falls like refreshing showers, 
Or cooling dew on burning sand 

To cheer the drooping flowers. 

The grateful homage of my heart 

In songs of praise shall rise 
To tell the wonders of thy grace 

And love that never dies. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 133 

And when I am at home with God 

Where sorrows all shall cease 
O fill my raptured soul with love 

To praise the prince of peace. 

Then with the angels pure and fair, 

In anthems soft and sweet, 
We'll cast our crowns before the throne 

At Jesus' blessed feet. 

WHERE HAVE YOU LABORED TO-DAY? 

'HERE have you labored to-day, my 
brother, 

In this world of turmoil and strife, 
Have you sought the paths of sin and shame, 
Or the paths of a righteous life? 

Has lust for the vices in gilded halls 

Overcome the conscience within. 
Your heart which the Lord had implanted there 

To deter you from deeds of sin ? 

Or did sparkling wine from a gilded cup 
Which you took from a jeweled hand 

Cause your passions to rise and your brain to 
swim 
'Till your will you could not command. 

Then charmed by the smile of a godless maid. 
You were led to a bed defiled. 



134 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Where unholy amours murdered a soul 
Once pure as an innocent child. 

Where have you labored to-day, my brother, 
On the fields of wisdom and fame, 

Or were you picking the apples of sin 
From the tree of dishonest gain? 

Did you try to defraud your fellow man 

To fill up your coffers of gold, 
And drove the poor widow and orphan child 

Out into the rain and the cold. 

Did love of applause from sinful men 
Turn your heart from the narrow way 

And cause you to bow to the idol fame 
Whose honors last but for a day ? 

If so you have labored in vain, my brother, 
For pleasures and riches that pay. 

Or for pleasures that make the true heart glad. 
Or for honors that last for aye. 

Give up the lusts of the flesh and the world, 
Turn away from their sinful snares. 

And seek for pleasures that come from above 
And frees weary hearts from all cares. 

Go gather now in the vineyard of God, 
Rich clusters of faith and of lore. 

That fill yearning hearts with the peace and joy 
That come from the Father above. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 135 

The gathering time will be over soon. 

Seek God without further delay, 
Plead His pardon through Jesus our Saviour 

For sins you committed to-day. 



O! COME 

^^^ WEARY one, listen the spirit says come, 
^*^ The Saviour is calling to thee, 

Take heed while He says in that tender, sweet 
voice 
"Come unto me ! Come unto me !" 

The bride and the spirit say, "Come lost one, 
come," 

While Mercy stands pleading, "O, come!" 
In the fold of the Shepherd dear ones now wait 

To give you a sweet welcome home. 

Dear ones that on earth filled your heart with 
true joy, 

Are longing to see you up there, 
To join in the praises of Jesus who died 

That you in His glory might share. 

O, why will you grieve the dear Spirit away 
And cause Him to take His last flight 

And leave you to sorrow and sin in this world 1 
P, come while he still pleads to-night ! 



136 MOODS AND MELODIES 



LIVES AGAIN 

(^I^HE soul that once was dead in sin 
\hl^ God makes to live again. 
Not for the sordid things of life, 
But for the Christ once slain. 

What hallowed thoughts now fill the heart 
When touched by love divine, 

Sin's angry words and looks give place 
To Christian smiles sublime. 

Then peace, sweet peace, the gift of God 

Transforms the life within. 
Where fear and tumult once prevailed 

Because controlled by sin. 

But now, secure behind the blood. 
The precious blood of Jesus, 

The soul in triumph sings, "I'm saved, 
"I'm saved by faith in Jesus." 

Dear Saviour, fill our souls with love 
For Thee, the sinner's friend, 

Help us to love and worship Thee 
Till life on earth shall end. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 137 



DARKNESS 

jARKNESS broods upon the water 
While our Hfe-boat rushes on 
To'rds the pit of endless sorrow- 
Where no morn of joy will dawn. 

Brother only, Christ can save you 
From an endless death for sin, 

Open up your heart, poor sinner. 
And invite the Saviour in. 

Now He stands without and knocketh. 
Pleading that you will not say. 

Go thy way and I will hear thee 
At some more convenient day. 

Now is the time the spirit cries, 
Brother, heed His call to-night, 

You may never see to-morrow, 
He may take His final flight. 



M 



WHAT IS IT? 

(December ip, ipi2.) 
[HAT means this stir in home and store 



And people looking gay, 
While winds are frosty, damp and chill 
And spring so far away. 



138 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Is it because school institute 

Is now in session here, 
With pretty girls and jolly men. 

Our staid old town to cheer. 

Oh, no, that cannot be the cause 

Our town has girls galore. 
All pretty and as smart as whips 

And bright in ancient lore. 

But something sweeter, dearer far 

Than literary feast. 
Is turning eyes both old and young 

To visions in the east. 

By faith we see a new star set 

Upon the eastern sky, 
While shining angels fill the air 

And shout the joyful cry. 

Glory to God in the highest. 

Peace on earth, good will to'rds men, 
Their mission ended off they fly 

Up to their heaven again. 

The influence of the angels' song 

Pervades the world to-day. 
And fills our hearts with love to'rds men 

And drives dull care away. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 139 

P, blessed Saviour, help us live. 

Not for ourselves but Thee, 
And to our fellow men do good. 

Amen, so let it be. 



A THOUGHT 

^OW sweet is the thought that flies west- 
ward to-night, 
As I sit all alone in my room, 
It speeds over desert and mountain or snow 
Swift as rays from the sunlighted moon. 

And there near the shore where Pacifies wild 
waves 

Ebb and flow on the surf-beaten strand, 
It enters a cottage where roses combine 

For to beautify pretty Redlands. 

And there with one hand on her brow by a lamp 

Sits a lady, now thinking of me, 
And if I could fly with the speed of a thought 

By her side in an instant I'd be. 

And after exchanging caresses of love 
We would talk of the joys yet to be 

In years that would pass but too swiftly away 
In our dear little home by the sea. 



140 MOODS AND MELODIES 



WHAT IS THE USE? 

MHAT is the use of complaining 
When everything seems to go 
wrong 
If hopes that were bright are now waning, 
Cheer up lad and sing a sweet song. 

The trials that meet you are fleeting 
And so are the joys that you prize. 

The friends that to-day come to greet you 
To-morrow your name may despise. 

The treasures you long for will perish, 
The house that you live in decay, 

Your life here will soon be forgotten, 
O, why complain, tell me I pray. 

Cheer up then and look to the future. 
That knows neither change or decay, 

And friendships a million years hence, sir. 
Will be as true then as to-day. 

The friendship of Jesus ne'er changeth 
To'rds those who will love and obey. 

But will cheer and comfort His children 
While cycles grow feeble and gray. 

Surrender your heart to the Saviour, 
Oh, why will you longer delay. 

His spirit may cease to entreat you. 
Confess Him I pray you, to-day. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 141 

TITANIC'S FATAL TRIP 

|ES, bright was the morning and sprightly the 
ship 

That started to cross o'er the ocean so wide, 
And joy filled the hearts of those then on the 
decks 
As the sunlight played on the rolling tide. 

Like a thing of life the great ship trod the waves 
That murmured softly their lullaby song, 

And all seemed happy as the daylight declined 
While the strong, proud ship went rushing on. 

As the night closed down o'er the watery plain 
The young and the gay got ready to dance 

With music enticing and hearts full of joy 

It seemed like dreamland with f aries entranced. 

In the excess of joy the waltzers whirled-round 
All keeping time to the music's sweet charm, 

But when the great ship struck an iceberg and 
broke 
The dancers grew pale and shrieked in alarm. 

No longer the flush of joy mantles the cheek 

Or smile cause the heart to throb with delight. 
But all cheeks are blanched and heartbeats grow 
weak 
As death draped in seaweeds looms on their 
sight. 



142 MOODS AND MELODIES 

Like the feast of Belshazzar, all their joy ends. 
And their laughter is turned into weeping, 

And in the gray dawn of that sad morning's light 
Many in death 'neath the cold waves were 
sleeping. 

How calmly some gazed on the spectre of death. 
As the ship sank slowly down in the sea. 

And played a sweet anthem of praise to the Lord, 
"Nearer my God, to Thee, nearer to Thee." 

We trust the good Lord heard the prayer of those 
doomed, 

To a chilly, watery grave that night 
And when in eternity's morning they woke 

They were with Jesus in His home of light. 



SABBATH. JANUARY 5TH, 1913 

OW sweet the calm that soothes the heart 
This f rostly sabbath morn. 
An emblem of the peace that fills 
The sinners soul, newborn. 

When from the love of sordid things 

Our souls have been set free, 
How plain God's goodness then appears. 

How plain His love to see. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 143 



O, that the hearts of all were turned 

From selfish greed and lust, 
To deeds of kindness, love and truth 

And in God's word would trust. 

Then on all holy Sabbath days, 
The world would be at rest. 

And hearts be filled with Jesus' love 
Mankind would then be blest. 

Then heavenly joy would fill all hearts, 

Replacing grief and fear, 
A foretaste of the heavenly joys, 

Would then begin right here. 



THE FACTORY GIRL. A SONG 

SPASS'D through a factory room to-day 
Where some hundreds of spindles 
whirl, 
And I saw among many workers 
One wickedly beautiful girl. 

It's wicked to steal from another 

An auto, a buggy or cart, 
But this beautiful little toiler 

Has silently stolen my heart. 



144 MOODS AND MELODIES 



REFRAIN. 

My dear little factory girl, I love you, 
And if you will only love me, 

I'll give you a home by the seashore 
And queen of my heart you shall be. 

Her auburn hair and sunkissed cheek 
And her eyes so tender and blue, 

They haunt me now wherever I go, 
O, tell me I pray what to do. 

I'll seek her home wherever it be 
In an alley or business mart, 

And ask her to be my darling wife 
Or to give back my stolen heart. 

Refrain. 



ONE BY ONE. A SONG 



ll^NE by one we are passing to the brighter 
^U^ world above 

Where no sorrows cloud the faces there so fair 
For every pulse is throbbing with the Saviour's 
dying love * 

And the hearts of all are free from every care. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 145 

REFRAIN — SLOW. 

O what peace, what joy to those 
Who to Christ their hearts unclose. 
Bidding Him come in and dwell 
And redeem their souls from hell. 

The joy of perfect worship at the Saviour's 
blessed feet, 
And with angels for companion's evermore, 
We may sing redeeming love to the sound of gol- 
den harps 
As the loving Jesus only we adore. 

Refrain — slow. 

ON THE WINGS OF LOVE. A SONG 



m 



'HEN the King of Glory cometh with the 
angels in the clouds, 
And the Angel Gabriel soundeth on his trumpet 

long and loud. 
Then the souls that sleep in Jesus will awake with 

songs of praise 
To the one and only Saviour, blessed Jesus. 

REFRAIN. 

Away on the wings of Faith we fly 

To the heavenly land so fair. 
Away on the wings of love we fly, 

O, wouldn't you like to be there ? 



146 MOODS AND MELODIES 



P the joy of hearing angels sing hosannas to the 

Lord, 
As on bended knees they worship the only one 

adored, 
And with golden harps attuned to the Saviour*s 

dying love 
They thank and praise His name f orevermore. 

Refrain. 

^Vould you like to join the chorus in the happy 

land above 
At the banquet of the Saviour 'neath His banner 

which is love ? 
Let your lamps be trimmed and buminff with a 

faith that's all divine, 
And humbly wait the coming of the Lord. 



DEDICATED TO MY YOUNG FRIEND, 

REV. ARTHUR M. GUTTERY, WHO 

WAS ABOUT TO GO TO CHINA 

AS A MISSIONARY 



% 



IKE unto Abraham of old, 

God's call has come to you 
[To leave your country and your home 
And loving kindred, too. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 147 



And journey to a distant land 

That God will tell you of, 
And in the name of Jesus Christ 

Proclaim His wondrous love. 

To those who all their lives have been 

In ignorance of God, 
When taught His word by you may learn 

His name to love and laud. 

Trust not in gold or human strength 

Or wisdom of vain man, 
But teach alone God's love and power 

And His redemptive plan. 

To free the captives bound in chains 
Of sin and death and shame. 

Go teach obedience, love and faith. 
In Jesus blessed name. 

And may the power of love divine 

Of Israel's gracious lord 
Protect your life and many souls 

Give you as your reward. 

And when the evening shades of life 
Shall shroud your earthly life. 

May Christ your ransom call you home 
And also your dear wife. 



148 MOODS AND MELODIES 

UNCHANGED 

MHEN you and I were young, Lucy, 
And the blood of youth ran 
warm, 
We could climb the hills so easy 
And could face the coldest storms. 

Your cheeks were very fresh and fair. 
And the roseblush rested there. 

To try to kiss that blush away 
Was a pastime sweet and rare. 

O how sweet the contemplation. 

After fifty years have flown, 
Of our trysting-place in arbor 

Where we two were then alone. 

A thrill of joy comes back, Lucy, 

As I see your lovely face. 
Portrayed so plain on memory's wall 

That time can ne'er efface. 

The ruthless frosts of time may fade 
On your cheek the roses blush. 

But only death itself, Lucy, 
My true love for you can crush. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 149 



SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA. MARCH 17, 
1914 

(After hearing a Clairvoyant pretending to tell 
the future events of a man's life.) 

^I^REAT God, my days are in Thy hand, 
lEP Mine end I cannot see, 
O, give me faith to trust Thy love 
And leave my way to Thee. 

And when in doubt which way to go. 
And all seems dark and drear, 

O, take my hand and lead me on. 
And free me from all fear. 

The blight of sin has dimned my sight. 

How can I know the way. 
My future all is in Thy hand, 

Each moment and each day. 

In vain, presumptions man may strive 

Thy hidden ways to show 
And future destinies reveal 

Of pleasures or of woe. 

Then let each day unfold Thy will 

To me that I may know 
How best to honor Thee, my God, 

From whom all blessings flow. 



150 MOODS AND MELODIES 

And when at last my time has come. 

To leave this house of clay, 
Accept my soul for Christ's dear sake 

Before I pass away. 

SAN DIEGO, CALIFORNIA, APRIL, 1914 
{Easter thoughts for friends at home.) 







NCE more time, changing, promises 
To us new joys to bring 
And with his sunny finger points 
To signs of coming spring. 

He says, "Behold the shriveled bud. 

New life begins to show. 
Behold, the streams once bound by ice, 

Will soon begin to flow. 

"I soon will give the hills, now brown, 

A coat of living green. 
And on the trees so bare and gray 

Bright leaves will soon be seen. 

"These voiceless signs of love and power 

I, Christ, to men do give. 
That they, though dead in sins, may know 

In Me, they all may live. 

"They speak of resurrection morn, 
When all shall li-'.'e again, 



MOODS AND MELODIES 151 

In joys no tongue can e'er describe 
Or else in endless pain. 

"Each year I paint anew the hope 

To Christian hearts so dear. 
The resurrection of the dead 

From graves so cold and drear. 

"To homes of glory, fair and bright. 

All earthly homes above 
Where sin and sorrows are unknown 

And filled with Jesus' love. 

"May Easter morning fill your hearts 

So full of faith and love, 
That you long to be with Jesus 

In His bright home above." 



THE REMEDY FOR WAR 

OW frail the efforts of mankind 
To stay the tide of sin 
That sweeps the earth with fire and sword 
Above, beneath, within. 

In vain we build peace palaces 

And call the nations wide 
To frame their protocols of peace 

By which theyjvill abide. 



152 MOODS AND MELODIES 

The lust for power, for wealth, for fame, 

All honor supercedes, 
To Satan's hellish teachings men 

Seem perfectly agreed. 

His banner stained with brother's blood, 
Men cheer with dying breath, 

Or hail with joy the bomb that calls 
A thousand men to death. 

This fiendish work is all because 
God's sacred word men spurn. 

And from His words of peace and love 
To selfish lusts they turn. 

Let them but know the love of God, 

And cruel wars will cease, 
And through the world with smiles of joy 

Mankind will walk in peace. 

[The love of Christ would make each one 

As gentle as the dove, 
3?Vhile o'er the heads of all would float 

His banner which is love. 



MOODS AND MELODIES 153 

TO REST AWHILE 

EFORE I lay my pen aside. 
To close this little book. 
May God in mercy hear my prayer 
And on my efforts look. 

And if I've written aught tha's wrong 

In mercy Lord forgive, 
And bless the word that pleads with men 

Their hearts to Christ to give. 

His glory here has been the goal 
Tow'rds which my mind has run, 

And I have tried to teach frail man 
All wickedness to shun. 

And now I pray we all may find 

The heavenly peace and rest, 
Which comes to all who trust in Christ 

And are forever blest. 



THE END 



